Pressure groups maintain that preserving indigenous nomenclature is vital for protecting the language, customs, identity of A•chik people against external cultural influence
From Our Correspondent
TURA, May 25: Asserting that “non-Garo” nomenclature is eroding the indigenous footprint of the region, three influential pressure groups on Monday petitioned the GHADC to officially strip several towns and villages of their non-A•chik names in favour of traditional titles.
The Niksamso Garo Community Organization (NGCO), A•chik National Youth Organisation (ANYO), and A•chik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK) submitted a joint memorandum to GHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Dhormonath Sangma seeking the administrative change.
The organisations argued that many villages within the Sixth Schedule areas of Garo Hills originally bore traditional A•chik names reflecting the history and heritage of the indigenous people. They claimed that over time, these have been recorded in non-Garo languages—primarily across the plain belts and fringes of the hills—creating concerns over the gradual loss of historical recognition.
The memorandum identified several key areas for “name restoration,” including Araimile and Dermile in Tura, as well as prominent towns such as Phulbari, Rajabala, Selsella, Bhaitbari, Gomaijhora, Mirjumla, Batabari, Balachanda, Bajengdoba, Holdibari, and Dainadubi.
The groups urged the GHADC to exercise its constitutional authority under the Sixth Schedule to review and restore original Garo titles. They maintained that preserving indigenous nomenclature is vital for protecting the language, customs, and identity of the A•chik people against external cultural influence.
While the CEM received the memorandum, the council is yet to commit to a formal timeline for the requested administrative review.
