Shillong, Sep 17: Social activist Greneth M. Sangma has filed a petition before the South Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner demanding re-verification of his decade-old complaints alleging unlawful claims of Garo tribal identity.
In his letter, Sangma urged the administration to revisit his complaints filed on August 13, 2014, March 12, 2015, and September 19, 2018, against certain persons who he claims originally belonged to other communities but later projected themselves as Garos.
He argued that mere affidavits, NOCs, name or title changes, or self-declarations cannot be treated as proof of tribal identity, stressing the need to examine ancestry, lineage, family background, and genuine community acceptance.
Citing Garo customary practices of ‘Deragata’ and ‘Deba’ governing adoption and clan incorporation, Sangma said tribal identity must be tested against customs, clan system, social organisation, and community recognition, not paperwork alone.
Quoting Supreme Court rulings, he contended that while Article 25 guarantees freedom of religion, changing faith or name does not automatically confer Scheduled Tribe status.
Sangma has sought an independent, impartial inquiry into original roots and lawful connection of the persons named, and action as per law if false claims are established, while clarifying he is not seeking a verdict without due process.
He said the probe is vital to protect the genuine identity, customs, traditions, and constitutional rights of the Garo tribal community.
