GH groups meet Assam minister for Garo Autonomous Council
TURA, Aug 17: Combined organisations from Garo Hills under the umbrella of the All Garo Hills Joint Action Committee (AGHJAC) met Assam Minister and Deputy Speaker of Assam Assembly, Dr Numal Momin, and submitted a memorandum with the demand for the creation of the Garo Autonomous Council (GAC) in place of the Garo Development Council (GDC) which was provided by the Assam Government earlier. Leaders from Garo Hills including AGHJAC adviser Roger Benny A Sangma, convenor Balkarin Ch Marak, GSU CEC (Interim) president Zikku Balgra N Marak, besides other zone and unit leaders of the GSU, GSMC and FAF, met Momin at his official residence in Guwahati and handed over the memorandum with the demand. During the discussion that followed, the delegation raised pertinent issues related to Garos in Assam and urged the minister to look into the creation of the GAC for the resident Garo community. According to the leaders, Momin is said to have responded positively assuring that they were entitled to the GAC which will cover all the Garo villages in Assam so that they get overall development. Momin is also said to have expressed concern over the plight of the Garos and assured that he would work hard to uplift them and take up the matter with party leaders. Other issues raised by the delegation include the frequent border dispute in Garo Hills villages with Assam and the job reservation for Garos in the neighbouring state.
Suspected lovers die by suicide
NONGSTOIN, Aug 17: In a bewildering occurrence, a suspected couple reportedly died by suicide in separate places in Mawthengkut village, West Khasi Hills. It is learnt that the female, identified as Baiakmen K Syiemlieh (22) of Mawthyllaing village, hanged herself inside her rented house at Mawthengkut village on August 14. Sources said that Baiakmen left her house in the morning of August 13 for some work at Ri Lyngngam Presbyterian College but did not return. Meanwhile, Bankyntiew Sohmad (22) of Nongmyndo village, who was living in a rented house at Nongkyna village, reportedly killed himself at his residence. Sources said that Baiakmen and Bankyntiew had an affair for some time, regardless the reason behind the incidents is not yet ascertained and the matter is being investigated by Riangdo Police. In both cases, all formalities were observed. However, the body of Baiakmen was sent for autopsy.
