Shillong, Feb 14: A grand assembly of the Achik People called, ‘A·chik Jatni Dal·begipa Tom·bimongani’ drew thousands of participants, including members of around 20 pressure groups at the Tura Government College playground yesterday.
Organised by the Nangrimgimin A·chik Dol (NAD), speakers at the assembly demanded accountability and action from Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in his commitment to protecting the interests of the Achik people.
Questions were raised about the actions taken against illegal settlers in comparison to neighbouring Assam’s stricter deportation policies. “Will you choose to protect the Achik people, or will you side with the illegal settlers who have entered our land without legal documents?” speakers asked.
The assembly questioned if there were “hidden agendas” preventing a crackdown on illegal quarries and encroachments in the plain belt areas.
The rallying cry was on justice for a young activist Dilseng Sangma, described as a “Matgrik” (hero) of the community, who was recently murdered in Phulbari Goalgaon while reportedly investigating illegal stone quarrying.
Leaders from Khasi and Jaintia Hills groups, including the Hynñiewtrep Youth Council (HYC) and the Jaintia National Council (JNC), joined their Garo counterparts in a show of solidarity. They collectively emphasised that the challenge posed by illegal influx is no longer confined to a single area but has become a shared concern across the state.
After the assembly, a sea of protesters marched through the heart of Tura town.
The NAD has warned that if the government fails to act by the end of the month, a series of more intense agitations will be launched across the Garo Hills.
