𝗠𝗲𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗮: 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗛𝗔𝗗𝗖 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗮 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝟰𝟰 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀.

The demonstration, spearheaded by the Garo Students’ Union along with other social outfits, saw hundreds of employees—who have been battling a salary drought for nearly 44 months—march through the main thoroughfares of Tura. The rally commenced at William Point near the GHADC head office, winding its way through Members’ Hostel, DC Office Road, Tura Bazar, and Hawakhana, before circling back to its starting point.

The employees’ agitation stems from the Executive Committee’s offer under CEM Albinush Marak, which had promised the release of five months’ salary along with regular monthly payments beginning November. However, this proposal was outrightly rejected by the protestors, who remain firm on their demand for full clearance of all outstanding dues.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has indicated the state’s readiness to step in and assist with salary disbursements starting November, provided the GHADC initiates necessary financial reforms to ensure accountability and prevent recurring crises. Yet, the condition has sparked sharp criticism from several quarters, with social groups and political parties alleging that such stipulations undermine the council’s autonomy.