Boko: A press conference was organized by several Garo organizations including Garo National Council (GNC), Garo Women’s Council (GWC), Garo Youth Council (GYC), Garo Autonomous Council Demand Committee (GACDC) and several other Garo organizations in Shantipur village. Were included. In Boko-Chaygaon assembly constituency on Friday.
GNC advisor Franklin Sangma, president Anindra Marak, GYC president Manseng Marak, GWC president Laprosti Sangma, GACDC convenor Piyush Marak and leaders of various Garo organizations were present at the press conference. GNC Advisor Franklin Sangma spoke about the press conference to highlight the important issues and concerns faced by our Garo community in Assam.
Sangma said that a meeting of Garo organizations i.e. Garo National Council (GNC), Garo Youth Council (GYC), Garo Women Council (GWC), Garo Autonomous Council Demand Committee (GACDC) and various Garo organizations was held on April 23 in Shantipur community. Was done. Hall at Boko-Chagaon LAC.
After a detailed discussion on various burning issues, the House unanimously decided that the Garo community and all its representative organizations will extend full support to the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Indian Alliance in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections to be held in May. 7.
Franklin said, “The Garo community has been an integral part of the socio-cultural fabric of Assam for generations. With a population of over 8.5 lakh, the Garos are the second largest tribal community in the state. While a significant portion of our population lives in the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys, a large number, about 4.5 lakh, is concentrated in 545 border villages in Kamrup and Goalpara districts.
“Despite our substantial presence, the Garo community continues to struggle for proper recognition and representation in various spheres of life, including socio-political and economic spheres. Our long-standing demand for an autonomous council for culture, economic development, land rights and recognition of customary laws remains unheard even after 75 years of independence”, said Franklin Sangma.
Meanwhile at the conference, GNC President Anindra Marak said, “The ongoing delimitation process and border realignment with Meghalaya creates additional challenges and opportunities for our community. In light of these developments, we are actively reorganizing and strategizing ourselves to build alliances with other tribal groups and communities to assert our legitimate aspirations.
Marak also said, “Furthermore, the recent declaration of Boko-Chaygaon and West Goalpara assembly constituencies as Scheduled Tribe (ST) reserved constituencies will provide an opportunity for the Garo community to raise their demands in both the Assam Legislative Assembly and Opportunities have opened up for electing their representatives.” Panchayats. As long-time supporters of the Indian National Congress Party, we urge the Party and its leadership to recognize and advocate our cause, thereby ensuring our representation and participation in the decision-making processes of which we have been deprived. Are.
On the other hand, GNC advisor Franklin Sangma said that he regretted the lack of respect for the Constitution of India and the Election Commission. Sangma alleged that BJP workers were distributing forms to village women to vote for the BJP in violation of the model code of conduct and urged the national party not to do so.
When asked why the Garo community does not support the BJP party, Garo organizations responded that the Congress respects all Indian communities and religions, but the BJP actively opposes Christianity. “Accordingly, we will never accept the BJP party,” he said.
“There is a long pending demand of our Garo organizations i.e. Garo Autonomous Council and we discussed the matter with Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. But they did not respond to our demands as they listened to and responded to the demands of other communities,” added Franklin Sangma.
“In conclusion, we appeal to the Indian National Congress to address the grievances and aspirations of the Garo community by fulfilling our demand for an autonomous council and ensuring our equitable representation in governance structures. We are committed to work collaboratively for the socio-economic development and cultural preservation of our community and the state at large,” added Franklin Sangma, advisor to GNC. More than 1.3 lakh Garo voters will cast their votes in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections.
