TURA: Following a recent demand by leaders of some minor tribes to seek an Autonomous Council for their communities living in the Garo Hills districts, opposition to the idea has risen from Garo organisations that have made their displeasure known and intend to block such a move.
A conglomeration of Garo organisations from the East Garo Hills region, namely GSU, FKJGP, AIGU, FAF and AAYO have expressed objection to such a demand.
“Demand for separate autonomous district council by sub-tribes like Hajongs, Rabhas, Boro-Kacharis and Mann’s from the land belonging solely to the Garos cannot happen. The Garo people will not allow anyone to divide their land. Such a demand can lead to disturbance of peaceful coexistence between the Garos and other sub-tribes,” cautioned the Garo organisations in a statement. It added that there can be no justification to the demand for a separate Gaonbura under the Garo A’kingland in the district council since the Nokma is the custodian of the land.
“No one should try and take advantage of the peaceful nature of the Garos who have always believed in peaceful coexistence amongst all the sub-tribes since time immemorial,” announced the Garo conglomeration.