Shillong, March 12: Rikman G Momin, president of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Meghalaya, on Thursday called for a nationwide ban on infiltrators contesting elections, ranging from tribal autonomous council polls to the national Parliament.

His remarks came amid tensions surrounding the postponed elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC). Momin said the council, established under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, was created to protect tribal land, rights, and systems of self-governance.

He stated that individuals described as infiltrators should not be allowed to take part in any democratic process in the country. According to Momin, such individuals allegedly obtain documents such as Aadhaar cards, voter identity cards, and ration cards after marrying local residents, which he claimed could affect tribal identity and electoral processes.

Momin said the BJP is advocating stricter legal provisions on the issue.

The Voice of the People’s Party (VPP), an opposition party in the state, also raised concerns regarding the participation of non-Garo candidates in GHADC elections and called for adherence to constitutional safeguards.

The developments follow recent violence in the West Garo Hills district, where two people were killed in clashes. Authorities imposed curfew and deployed security forces in the area following the incident.

Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party at the national level stated that they support the tribal communities of Meghalaya and expressed willingness to assist efforts aimed at restoring normalcy.