Leaders of several NGOs under the banner of the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (COMSO) gathered in large numbers at Motphran on Wednesday to express concern over the recent incidents in Garo Hills and to offer support to the people of the region.
Members of organizations including the Hynñiewtrep Youth Council (HYC), Confederation of Ri Bhoi People (CORP), Jaiñtia National Council (JNC), GSU Khasi Hills, HITO, along with members of the public, participated in the gathering. The groups condemned the incidents reported from Garo Hills and urged the state government to take necessary action, while reiterating their demand for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya to protect the interests of indigenous communities.
Addressing the gathering, COMSO president Roykupar Synrem criticised Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, stating that the Chief Minister still has three years to ensure the protection of the rights, land, and cultural identity of the Achik community.
Synrem reminded the Chief Minister that he assumed office with the support of the Achik community and warned that the same community has the power to remove him from office in the 2028 elections if their concerns are not addressed.
The COMSO leader further accused the Chief Minister of using the Achik community merely to secure electoral victory and come to power, alleging that the present situation has arisen due to such political actions.