“No State, No Rest”, “We want Garoland”; Demand for separate Garoland echoes Shillong

Shillong: Chants of “We want Garoland State” rant the air in the state capital Shillong as the Garo Hills State Movement Committee (GHSMC) held a massive agitation in Shillong demanding for a separate Garoland on Wednesday morning.

It is to be noted that the demand for Garoland is a long pending aspiration of the Garo people in the region.

The body also carried placards and shouted slogan "bye bye Meghalaya" today.

A total number of 30 NGOs including the newly formed A’chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM) led by former GNLA Chairman, Champion R Sangma from Garo Hills took part in the rally.

The Garo people in large number gathered at near Additional Secretariat Parking lot. The protestors, dressed in colourful tribal attire including Kotip (headgear) and chanted “No State, No Rest”, “We want Garoland” and “A’chik A’song Tangbanhchina” as they protest in state capital Shillong.

Speaking to the media, GSMC chairman, Nikman Ch Marak said that the Garos are entitled to their own state under the States Reorganization Act of 1956.

He further stated that the demand for separate Garoland State is an age-old demand and also reminded that the demand for the same began in the 19th century by the first Garo Statesman, Late Sonaram R Sangma.

Sangma said that the different political parties and social organizations had spearheaded the demand for a separate Garoland.

Also, former GNLA chairman, Champion R Sangma said that he is 100 per cent sure that the demand for a separate Garo land will become a reality.

“Late PA Sangma fought his last election on this very issue and unfortunately he left us. But fortunately, now we have the son of late PA Sangma, Conrad K Sangma as the Chief Minister of the State. The demand for a separate Garoland is our birth and constitutional right," Champion asserted.