Ground Report: Part 1 of 2
Biplab Kr Dey
ADOKGRE (NGH), Oct 31: Following reports by the civil society organisation, Garo Omniscience for Ethnic Renaissance and Awakening (GOERA), on the plight of four villages deprived of basic amenities after years of neglect, a visit was made to these villages to assess the situation affecting over 2,200 residents.
The four villages—Chiginde, Doeni, Walkam and Balkam—were added to Meghalaya following the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Assam and Meghalaya in 2019. However, more than six years later, these villages continue to remain without any form of basic support from either government.
A recent field visit, joined by members of GOERA, revealed the harsh realities faced by the villagers and their growing desperation as they struggle to establish an identity.
A journey through the forgotten road
Chiginde village lies about 7 km from Adokgre market, with Doeni located another 2 km further. Although the route passes through several villages, the final stretch to Chiginde is little more than a rugged trail.
The 7-km journey takes more than 45 minutes, as the path is unpaved and treacherous. “The road is scary to say the least. In at least eight places, the uphill-downhill journey can only be covered with a 4WD. The road is motorable only during the dry months. Even with a 4WD, it is impossible to reach the village during the rainy season, and this is just one part of the problem being faced by these villagers,” said GOERA publicity secretary, Bethel M. Sangma.
A driver who took the team to the village shared that residents have adapted by stocking food for the months when the area becomes inaccessible. “Those who can afford it, stock up rice, dal and other essentials. Those who can’t, walk 7 km each way to Adokgre. The situation gets grimmer during health emergencies. At least four villagers have had to use makeshift beds to carry their loved ones to Adokgre for treatment,” he said.
Upon reaching Chiginde, residents of Chiginde and Doeni gathered at the only school field in the area to discuss their ongoing struggles.
A long struggle for recognition
Elderly villagers recounted that three of the four villages date back to the late 1800s and even had residents who participated in the movement for the creation of Meghalaya. Yet, after statehood, they remained under Assam’s jurisdiction until the 2019 border agreement.
According to locals, their problems began soon after the agreement. Despite the MoU, the villages are still not officially recognised as part of Meghalaya.
Chiginde has a population of over 450, Doeni more than 250, while Walkam and Balkam have around 150 residents each. “We were made aware that our lands fall under the map of Reking Nokma of Adokgre, and maps available with the GHADC confirm this. We have always wanted to be part of Garo Hills and were happy to rejoin our land once again,” said a resident of Chiginde.
However, their happiness was short-lived. Their Assam-issued IDs are no longer valid and they lack documents proving their Meghalaya residency. The GHADC has yet to issue official papers confirming their inclusion under Reking A’king.
“The Nokma was more than willing to provide NOCs to us. We even met the Chief Minister, the CEM of GHADC, and other EMs several times seeking inclusion, but no progress has been made,” said another resident.
Currently, the villagers receive no assistance from either state. There are no government schools, healthcare facilities, or development schemes. The only school in Chiginde is a Church-sponsored lower primary school from Guwahati.
“These people literally have nothing to show for their decision to become part of Meghalaya. We should have welcomed them as brethren with open arms, but instead, we’ve given them nothing. They get no subsidies, no job cards, and can’t even register births or deaths. It’s an absolute shame,” said GOERA environment secretary, Keneth R. Marak.
