The Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC) backed by the National Federation for New States (NFNS) have decided to stage a dharna at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi during the upcoming Winter Session of the Parliament to provide fresh impetus to the demand for a separate Garoland State.
NFNS president, Prof. Munish Tamang who was in Tura today to address a rally held to demand for creation of a separate state for the Garo community, told reporters that the meeting has resolved to hold a two-day dharna for both the Khasi and Garo communities to secure their demands.
He said all the constituents of the NFNS will take their delegation in Delhi to remind the leadership about the demands which are genuine.
Earlier addressing the rally Tamang said, “We have to make an impact in Delhi. We have to make our voices heard because it is our Constitutional dream. Our dream is not unlawful.”
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for ‘One Nation One India” Tamang said, “The Prime Minister wants everything as one India. Yes we believe in unity of India. Nobody can question our integrity, our devotion to India, but our slogan is one Nation many States.”
He said that NFNS, which is a pan-India body representing regions demanding separate and smaller states, shares a relationship with Garoland and Nikman Ch. Marak (GHADC Deputy CEM) was elected as its vice president.
Tamang said the rally is ‘historic’ because the Garos now have the support of Bodoland, Gorkhaland, Vidarbha, Tipraland, Kuki State, Bundelkhand, Purbanchal and others who are raising the same demand.
“This movement (Garoland) is not just local, but it has the support of all and therefore it is not difficult or a long and arduous journey to make. I realise that unlike other states in the country who are facing some kind of opposition from the parent state, Garoland does not face such opposition and therefore time is not far away,” the NFNS leader stated.
He further said that the momentum has picked up and this will take the people to a rightly destiny of formation of Garo State. “The Prime Minister once said that he will take care of people’s dream. But we cannot sit back and let the PM take care of our dreams. People of Garo Hills should work to fulfill their dreams, they should be the owners and custodians of their dreams and we are there to support you,” he added.
The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) led by president, KP Pangniang has also shown interest in being part of the NFNS to pursue with the creation of a separate Khasi-Jaintia state.
Tamang who welcomed the party said the party through a resolution could be part of the body. “We are all in the same journey and your presence will make it less difficult,” he said.
The rally held at Te` teng Aja Playground in Tura was attended by the nokmas, members of the public, former representatives of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, members of different political parties, NGOs and others.
