CoMSO commits to pursue key demands like ILP

SHILLONG, April 13: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has reaffirmed its commitment to key demands, including the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), amendments to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), and the establishment of a 44% job reservation in central government positions for indigenous people.
CoMSO was officially revived during a meeting held in Tura on Saturday, which brought together pressure groups from across the Khasi, Jaiñtia, and Garo Hills to form a united front on issues affecting the state’s indigenous communities.
Among the groups represented were the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), Jaintia National Council (JNC), Jaintia Students Movement (JSM), Confederation of Ri-Bhoi People (CORP), Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC), A’chik Progressive Approach (APA), and the A’chik Socio-Economic Justice Forum (UASCJF), along with other community leaders.
The revitalisation of CoMSO marks a significant step in the collective efforts of Meghalaya’s indigenous communities to safeguard their rights and shape a future that preserves their cultural, social, and economic identity. The organisation aims to raise awareness, build public support, and actively advocate through legal and political channels to achieve meaningful and lasting change.
In his opening remarks, HYC President Roy Kupar Synrem stressed the need for a shared vision for the indigenous people of Meghalaya. He recalled earlier consultations in Shillong, where a consensus was reached to create a unified platform to tackle common challenges.
Synrem was unanimously elected Chairman of the reorganised CoMSO. Sambormi Lyngdoh, President of. Balkarin Ch. Marak, Acting Chairman of GSMC, was appointed General Secretary. The roles the JNC, and Roger D. Shira, President of APA, were named Vice-Chairmen of Additional General Secretaries went to Bandari Ryntathiang, President of CORP, and Roytre Dkhar, General Secretary of JSM.
A key addition to the leadership is veteran social activist Cherian Momin, appointed as Adviser to CoMSO, bringing strategic depth and experience to the organisation’s mission.
Reflecting a commitment to regional inclusivity, the new leadership structure includes dedicated organising secretaries for the three major regions—Garo Hills, Khasi Hills, and Jaiñtia Hills—ensuring that each area’s unique concerns are recognised and addressed.
One of the central issues raised during the meeting was the encroachment of land by Assam and the growing presence of illegal settlements by non-indigenous communities within Meghalaya. CoMSO pledged to work collaboratively with government authorities, civil society, and other stakeholders to address these concerns and more.
With renewed leadership and a unified platform, CoMSO is poised to shape a just, inclusive, and prosperous future for all indigenous communities in Meghalaya.