Shillong, Nov 4: Garo organisations based in Assam have resolved not to recognise the Wangala Festival to be held in Bhimajuli, Goalpara stating that it does not represent the collective voice of all Garos.
The decision was taken by the Garo Autonomous Council Demand Committee (GACDC), All Assam Garo Gaonbura Association (AAGGA), Garo Students’ Union (Assam Zone), All Assam Garo Cultural Society, All Assam Garo Jatiya Parishad, and other Garo-based NGOs from across Assam, at a joint meeting held in Sonaram Memorial Hall, Bakrapur.
According to the organisations, the Government of Assam has declared a restricted holiday on November 7, in recognition of the Wangala Festival to be held from November 5 to 7 at Tinglijan in Karbi Anglong District.
GACDC leader Caverland Shira said an unrecognised group decided to hold another Wangala festival in Goalpara without consultation with the entire Garo community and various NGOs.
The organisations maintained that the Garos of Assam are united and will not accept unilateral decisions taken without broad representation.
“The Wangala Festival is an important cultural celebration, labelling the event in Goalpara as a state-level festival without proper coordination with recognised Garo organizations is unacceptable,” the GACDC leader said.
The committee also cautioned the public against “self-styled” NGOs that operate without legitimacy or grassroots representation and called for unity among all genuine Garo organisations in Assam.
Shira informed that the Wangala Festival will be attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and a host of dignitaries.
