SHILLONG, MAR 12: The Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP) has accused the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government of “carelessness” that ignited Garo Hills unrest, and demanded an immediate cabinet or special session to uphold Sixth Schedule rights.
A statement issued by the president of the FKJGP central body Dundee C Khongsit said public anger “arose after the state failed to honour a February GHADC executive committee resolution barring non‑tribals from contesting or voting.”
It claimed had the state heeded that resolution, unrest would not have erupted.
The federation urged the government “to convene Cabinet ministers or a special session… to bring back peace and to secure the rights of Garos as recognised under the Sixth Schedule.”
The FKJGP also took aim at Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, criticising his remark that pressure groups “obstruct development” amid a non‑cooperation movement.
The group asked whether for Tynsong “development of outsiders mattered more than protection for tribals”.
The federation also blasted Tynsong’s dismissal of linking the GHADC dispute to Inner‑Line Permit demands.
Meghalaya lacks ILP controls on migration, it said while asking whether Tynsong had “forgotten that Garo Hills unrest stems from outsiders who not only control markets but now encroach governance.”
It urged Tynsong, who is also holding the District Council Affairs portfolio to stop “adding fuel to the fire” with remarks that ignore Sixth Schedule safeguards.
FKJGP demanded the state respect indigenous rights rather than “prioritising outsiders’ development.”
While castigating the government, FKJGP encouraged Garo residents “not to be disheartened, but to continue the fight until the state meets their demands.”
The appeal came as Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma postponed GHADC elections and appealed for calm after days of vandalism and road blockades.
By Our Reporter
