TURA: Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Dipul R Marak said Late Captain Williamson A Sangma was not only the leader of the A’chiks but of the Northeastern people. He said that it was due to his ceaseless struggle that the state of Meghalaya came into being.
WA Sangma, who was the first CEM of the GHADC, was remembered on his 29th death anniversary at a grand function held in the Council office premises on Friday.
Speaking at the function, Marak, who was the chief guest during the programme, said, “Before Meghalaya became a state, the hill people were made to follow the conditions and customs of the Assamese people. Positions in the legislature and government services were denied to the hill people and this issue led to the demand for a hill state and the subsequent creation of Meghalaya state under the leadership of Captain WA Sangma.”
Recalling the beginning of the Hill State Movement, Marak said that in June 16, 1954, all the leaders of the District Council were called to Shillong by Captain Sangma for a meeting.
“Although we, as tribal people from the hills, have been given certain provisions under the Sixth schedule to preserve and safeguard our traditions, customs and language, this is not enough to safeguard the people as a whole. It is up to us to take necessary initiatives to take the tribe forward,” the CEM added.
Marak said that while the Hill people were under the Assam Government, they were given the provisions of the sixth schedule but the Assam Government tried to frame laws which made it mandatory for all those living under Assam to speak their language, read and write and follow their traditions and customs.
“That is why we owe it all to Captain Sangma. We must always remember that it was he, who saved us by spearheading the Hill State Movement and enabling the formation of Meghalaya,” he said.
Other dignitaries who were present during the programme include West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh, Superintendent of Police MGR Kumar, GHADC Secretary Rikse R Marak, former CEMs, EMs and other council officials.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh delivered a short motivational speech where he urged the youths to follow in the footsteps of Captain Sangma.
Highlighting the importance of the environment, Singh also urged the people to preserve water bodies and catchment areas, and save trees and forests of the region.
A floral tribute to the late leader was also paid at his statue where the general public, along with the dignitaries, placed bouquets and flowers.
Following the function at the GHADC premises, a short prayer service was conducted at Late WA Sangma’s residence. Later, the graveyard of the leader was also visited and bouquets placed at the site.
Meanwhile, the occasion was also observed in South Garo Hills at Captain Williamson Memorial Park in Baghmara.
During the occasion, South Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner HB Marak paid rich tributes to Lt Capt Sangma and recalled his contributions and achievements towards the state.
He said that Captain Sangma was not just the founder of Meghalaya but also the creator of our South Garo Hills District, for which he will always be remembered.
He urged upon the gathering to follow his footsteps and work hard to achieve his unfulfilled dreams towards building a better state.
The observation also included a parade presented by the District Police of Baghmara and the official handing over of Captain Williamson Memorial Park to Police Department.
