Shillong: The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) in Meghalaya on Monday amended its rules to mandate Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates for contesting council elections, following recent unrest, deaths and curfew over the participation of non-tribal candidates. The decision, taken during a special session, aims to ensure tribal representation and will now be sent for state and gubernatorial approval under the Sixth Schedule. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma welcomed the decision. (PTI) The move comes weeks after violence in the Garo Hills triggered by ambiguity in the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous District Council Rules, 1951, regarding eligibility of non-tribal candidates. The amendment restricts candidature to recognised Scheduled Tribes, a long-standing demand of several tribal organisations. Officials said the proposal will be forwarded to the state government and then to the Governor for assent. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma welcomed the decision, calling it a “historic” and long-awaited reform that strengthens the intent of the Sixth Schedule. “History has been made today with the landmark decision of the GHADC to amend its rules, now mandating ST …