Six-day strike to oppose Meghalaya civic polls

Shillong, July 12 : A students' group has called for a six-day shutdown in Meghalaya to oppose the civic polls in three districts of the state.

"We have decided to go on strike starting from 5 a.m. July 15 to 5 a.m. July 21 in the three districts of Garo Hills in protest against the government's decision to hold the civic polls," Manseng A. Sangma, the spokesman for the Joint Action Committee (JAC), told IANS over phone.

The Gauhati High Court had directed the Meghalaya government to hold polls to four municipalities in Garo Hills before September.

Elections are scheduled for Tura, Williamnagar, Baghmara and Resubelpara municipal boards next month.

The JAC is opposed to holding the civic polls fearing it would dilute the power and functions of the Nokmas - the clan head of a village.

The elections are scheduled to be held Aug 6 and the counting of votes cast Aug 9.

"We will continue with our democratic protest against holding of the municipal elections. The elections to the four municipal boards are illegal and it is tantamount to violation of the Sixth Schedule of the constitution and will erode the functions and powers of the Nokmas," Sangma said.

On Tuesday the JAC held rallies at Tura, the district headquarter of West Garo hills, Williamnagar, the district headquarter of East Garo hills, Baghmara, the district headquarter of South Garo hills and Resubelpara sub-division.

Last year, the Meghalaya government was forced to adjourn the civic polls following violent protests by the JAC.