SHILLONG : The Chairman of the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO), Roykupar Synrem, on Wednesday declared that the Hynniewtrep people stand firmly with the Achik community of Garo Hills in their fight against illegal immigration and the alleged participation of non-tribals in the upcoming elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
Speaking at a public rally at Motphran in Shillong held in solidarity with the Achik people, Synrem said the Khasi-Jaintia community would not hesitate to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Garos if the situation demands stronger action.
“This momentous gathering shows our solidarity with the Achik people who are bravely standing and fighting against illegal immigrants in Garo Hills,” Synrem said while addressing the crowd.
The meeting was attended by several social organisations as well as members of the Garo community living in Shillong.
Synrem said that the Hynniewtrep people would continue to support the Achik community until all illegal immigrants are removed from Garo Hills. He added that the rally in Shillong was only symbolic but warned that if needed, people from Khasi-Jaintia Hills were ready to travel to Garo Hills to stand with them.
He also issued a strong warning to the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, stating that tribal support for the government could decline if steps are not taken to protect the land, culture and rights of the Achik people.
Addressing the chief minister directly, Synrem said the Achik community played an important role in supporting his leadership and reminded him that the same support could determine future political outcomes.
He urged the government to take decisive steps within the next three years to ensure the protection of tribal land, culture and identity in Garo Hills and to detect and deport illegal immigrants staying in the region.
During his speech, Synrem also accused the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) government of allowing alleged illegal settlers to remain in the plain belt areas of Garo Hills, claiming that such settlements have led to rising tensions in the region.
The CoMSO chairman further alleged that certain political leaders have been using the people of Garo Hills only to secure electoral victories without addressing their long-standing concerns.
Meanwhile, Sambormi Lyngdoh, president of the Jaintia National Council, also addressed the rally and said the issues faced by the people of Garo Hills are not limited to one region but concern the entire state of Meghalaya.
Lyngdoh said that if illegal migrants are able to challenge local communities during an election period, it indicates that the system meant to protect indigenous people has weakened.
He also criticized leaders of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, saying elected representatives should defend the rights and land of the people rather than remain silent.
Calling for unity among the Garos, Khasis and Jaintias, Lyngdoh stressed that when one indigenous community faces a threat, the entire society of Meghalaya must stand together.
Speakers at the rally demanded urgent action against infiltration, warning that the issue is not only about demographic change but also about safeguarding the political rights and future of indigenous communities.
Meanwhile, most shops in the Khyndailad area remained closed during the rally.