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SHILLONG, MAR 11: Chairman of the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) Roykupar Synrem on Wednesday declared solidarity with the Achik community of Garo Hills, warning that the Hynniewtrep people would stand shoulder to shoulder with them in opposing alleged illegal immigration in the region. Speaking at a public meeting held at Motphran in Shillong, Synrem said the gathering was organised to express solidarity with the Achik community amid tensions surrounding the participation of non-tribals in the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC). “Through this momentous occasion, we show our solidarity with the Achik people in Garo Hills who are standing and fighting against the illegal immigrants,” Synrem said. Members of the Garo community residing in Shillong also joined the meeting. He asserted that the Hynniewtrep people would remain alongside the Achik community until “each and every illegal immigrant is chased out from Garo Hills.” Calling the rally a symbolic gesture, Synrem said the Hynniewtrep community would stand together with the Achik people if required. Addressing Conrad K Sangma, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Synrem warned that the government risks losing tribal support if it fails to protect the rights and land of the Achik people. He said the Achik community had supported Sangma’s leadership and could also decide his political fate in the future. Synrem further urged the government to ensure the protection of tribal land, culture and political rights in Garo Hills, while demanding the identification and deportation of alleged illegal immigrants. During his address, he also accused the ruling National People's Party (NPP) of allowing settlers to expand in the plain belt areas of Garo Hills and alleged that political interests had led to the displacement of local villagers. Referring to tensions in parts of the plain belt, Synrem also named former MDC Sofior Rahman, claiming that statements attributed to him had asserted ownership claims over areas such as Phulbari and Rajabala. He further alleged that illegal activities and organised networks had gained control in parts of the plain belt, accusing politicians of using Garo people merely to win elections. Linking the situation to the recent postponement of the GHADC polls, Synrem claimed the government feared backlash from tribal voters. He also referred to violence in Chibinang, urging voters to remember incidents such as the killing of Dilseng M Sangma and houses being burned in the area. Warning against accepting development at the cost of indigenous rights, Synrem asked whether Meghalaya wanted to “become another Tripura.” Meanwhile, Sambormi Lyngdoh, president of the Jaintia National Council, said the issue was not limited to Garo Hills but concerned the entire state. “The struggle you are facing today is not only a Garo Hills issue; it is a Meghalaya issue,” Lyngdoh said, adding that illegal migrants challenging local communities during an election period reflected a breakdown in the system meant to protect tribal rights under the Sixth Schedule. Lyngdoh also criticised leaders of the GHADC, saying members of the council had become “door openers for high authorities sitting comfortably in the Secretariat” rather than defenders of tribal land. Speakers at the meeting demanded immediate action against alleged infiltration, calling it not only a demographic concern but also a threat to political rights and the future of indigenous communities. Most shops in the Khyndailad area remained closed during the meeting.

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