SHILLONG, MAR 11: Chairman of the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) Roykupar Synrem on Wednesday said the Khasi‑Jaintia people will “take up swords” beside Garo residents if needed and warned Chief Minister Conrad Sangma that his government risks losing tribal support over alleged illegal settlement in the plain belt.
Addressing a public meeting organized at Motphran in solidarity with the Achik community against illegal immigration and participation of non tribals in GHADC elections, Synrem said, “(Through) this momentous occasion, we show our solidarity with the Achik people in Garo Hills who are standing and fighting against the illegal immigrants.”
The meeting was also joined by Garo community from Shillong.
He vowed that Hynniewtrep people “will be with you till you make sure that each and every illegal immigrant is being chased from Garo Hills.”
“Today we are here as a symbolic gesture but if you need us to be in Chibinang or to be in Garo Hills, the Hynniewtrep people will take up swords and we will stand together shoulder to shoulder with the Achik people.”
Synrem also cuationed the chief minister while asserting, “Mr Conrad K Sangma, hear also the voice of the Hynniewtrep people…We will not allow you to sell Garo Hills to illegal immigrants.”
He reminded the chief minister that “you are chief minister because the Achik people supported you…they can also bring you down in 2028.”
“You have three years to make sure that the rights of the Achik people are protected. You have three years to make sure that the land of the Achik people are protected and you have three years to make sure that the culture of the Achik people are protected and you have three years to ensure that these Bengals who are staying in Garo Hills should be detected and deported to their place of origin.”
Synrem accused the NPP government of enabling settlers he repeatedly called “Bangladeshi”, telling them “Garo Hills belongs to the Achik people…no Allah ho Akbar in Meghalaya.”
“I saw the Bangals asking police officers sir kya hum Bangladeshi hai. The police officer cannot give an answer but we can. Yes you are Bangladeshi so go back to Bangladesh because Garo Hills belongs to the Achik people. It is theirs today, it will be theirs tomorrow and it will be theirs forever.”
He named former MDC Sofior Rahman, claiming Rahman had asserted Bangal ownership of Phulbari and Rajabala. “We know who you are…Achik people will find you.”
“But if you want to show power come to Tura let us fight. Come out of the plain belt, fix the day and time, the Hynniewtrep and the Achik people will be there and let us see who wins,” Synrem said adding “These Bangladeshi they came as tenants and labourers and used the Garo people and now because of their illegal activities and mafias they have been controlling illegal activities in the plain belt areas of Garo Hills.”
The CoMSO chief further accused the politicians of “using Garo people just to win elections” and are responsible for villagers “to leave their house and land.”
“You have been made to suffer for the last 50 years,” Synrem said adding “Remember your day also will come. Every dog has its day…you have power in your small little finger.”
Linking the government’s decision to postponed the GHADC elections to fear of tribal backlash, Synrem said, “Conrad Sangma…knows Achik people will not vote NPP…he takes a decision to fool Achik people once again.”
Voters, he said, should recall “blood of Dilseng M Sangma” and houses burned in Chibinang when they next get the chance.
Synrem blamed authorities for enabling settlers. “Had they not allowed to settle…they would not find place to do illegal activities.”
He warned against accepting development “at cost of being wiped out from our own land” and asked, “Do we want to become another Tripura?”
In his speech, Jaintia National Council president Sambormi Lyngdoh said the state government appears like a steering wheel being turned by someone else as illegal migrants confront Garo villagers ahead of postponed GHADC polls.
“The struggle you are facing today is not only a Garo Hills issue; it is a Meghalaya issue,” Lyngdoh said.
He accused the state of abdicating its Sixth‑Schedule duty. “If illegal migrants are able to challenge local communities during an election period, it means the system supposed to protect the people has already collapsed.”
Lyngdoh faulted GHADC leaders for reducing MDCs to “door openers for high authorities sitting comfortably in the Secretariat” instead of defending tribal land.
“Power belongs to the people. The mandate is not a ticket to corridors of power,” he said, urging Garos, Khasis and Jaintias to stand united “when one community is threatened, the entire indigenous society is threatened.”
Speakers demanded immediate action against infiltration, calling it “not just a demographic issue” but a threat to political rights and future generations.
Most shops in Khyndailad area remained closed during the meeting.
By Our Reporter
