Garo activist urges Muslim leaders in Garo Hills to maintain peace

South Garo Hills–based social activist Greneth M. Sangma has issued an open letter to Muslim community leaders in Garo Hills, urging them to promote communal harmony and respect the constitutional safeguards governing the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC). The letter, dated March 10, was addressed to Rajabala MLA Mizanur Rahman Kazi, former MDC Sofior Rehman, former MLA and MDC Esmatur Mominin, and other community leaders.

In the letter, Sangma expressed concern over what he described as growing tensions triggered by debates on social media and legal challenges related to the functioning of the GHADC. Highlighting the constitutional framework, Sangma stated that the GHADC operates under Article 244(2) of the Constitution and the Sixth Schedule, which are designed to protect the land rights, culture and governance systems of indigenous tribal communities.

He cautioned that challenges to provisions such as the requirement of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for candidates contesting GHADC elections could undermine constitutional protections meant for the indigenous Garo community.