By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 12: Congress leader from Garo Hills, Saleng Sangma has called upon the Garo authors to match the vocal notes of the Khasi Authors’ Society (KAS) in raising the demand of inclusion of the Garo language in the Eighth Schedule.
Sangma expressed regret that none of the Garo ministers had been spotted in New Delhi the last time they had protested for the inclusion of the Garo language in the Eighth Schedule. However, he added that since the Assembly has already approved an official resolution on the subject, there shouldn’t be any issues in implementing the demands.
“The last time, a few Khasi MLAs and members of the KAS travelled to Delhi but no minister from the Garo Hills went to Delhi to advance their demands,” Saleng said while adding that he is always prepared to campaign in New Delhi alongside the Garo ministers for conducting the demonstration.
Saleng sought the support of people from the Khasi Hills to support the demands for Garo language as well as Khasi language, emphasising that the Garos and Khasis are one people.
Additionally, he made the point that Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had to pay attention to the demands made by the people of Garo Hills, as they are depending on him to bring up the issue with the Centre.
Saleng continued: “If not, I will definitely write to him another letter on the matter.”
It may be recalled that the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly had unanimously passed a motion in 2018 requesting that the Centre add the languages of Khasi and Garo to the Eighth Schedule; however, the central government has remained silent on the subject ever since.
