Non-tribals barred from Meghalaya polls

Shillong, March 23: Amidst protests over non-tribal participation in a tribal council election in Meghalaya, the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council Monday approved a key amendment mandating that only Scheduled Tribe members can contest the polls, effectively ending the participation of non-tribals after over seven decades, officials said.

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Governor CH Vijayashankar had convened a special session of the Council, where the amendment to the Assam & Meghalaya Autonomous District (Constitution of District Council) Rules was unanimously passed to introduce and implement the changes.

The move follows weeks of unrest and ethnic tensions in parts of Garo Hills. Two people died in protests against the participation of non-tribals in the council elections.