By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 2: The All A’chik Youth Federation (AAYF) has formally appealed to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to initiate steps for renaming the state of Meghalaya as “Khasi-Jaintia-Garo Land,” arguing that the current name does not reflect the identity of its indigenous communities.
In a representation submitted to the Chief Minister, AAYF vice president Rikkam P. Marak stated that the demand is rooted in the historical context of the state’s formation.
Meghalaya was carved out as a separate hill state on January 21, 1972, following widespread concerns among the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes after the Assam government imposed Assamese as the official language.
“The state was created specifically to protect the distinct languages, traditions, customs, and matrilineal systems of these three principal tribes,” Marak emphasised.
The federation pointed out that the name “Meghalaya,” which means “Abode of the Clouds” in Sanskrit, has no connection to the Khasi, Jaintia, or Garo communities and fails to represent their unique cultural identities.
AAYF has proposed “Khasi-Jaintia-Garo Land” as the new name, while also suggesting alternatives such as “Tribal Land” or “Tribal State.” The organisation has requested the state government to introduce a motion in the forthcoming session of the Assembly to deliberate on the renaming proposal under Clause (e) of Article 3 of the Constitution of India.
“We humbly request that the appropriate motion be introduced during the upcoming Assembly session,” Marak said, expressing hope that the government would consider the matter favourably.
The AAYF also thanked the Chief Minister for his efforts in addressing the demands of Garo organisations, particularly the enactment of the mandatory ST certificate law in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
