SHILLONG, JAN 4: The All Assam Garo NGOs Forum on Saturday declared a ban against the Garo Students’ Union (Assam State Zone) in Assam for allegedly supporting the Sixth Schedule status to the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC).
In a statement, the Forum said, “In response to this deplorable act of betrayal, the entire Garo community, along with all Garo NGOs of Assam, has unanimously decided to impose a strict and definitive ban on the GSU (ASZ) in Assam.”
“This resolute action underscores our unwavering commitment to our rightful cause and our unyielding resolve to seek justice for the Garo people. Our collective decision to ban the GSU (ASZ) is a testament to our solidarity and determination,” it added.
The Forum, which comprises of Garo Students Federation of Assam (GSFA), Garo Autonomous Council Demand Committee (GACDC), Garo National Council (GNC) Assam State Zone and others – said the Garo community residing under the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) has been resolutely fighting for the establishment of a district Garo Autonomous Council in Assam. This initiative aims to address our long-standing demands equitably and ensure the exclusion of Garo villages from the RHAC before granting the RHAC Sixth Schedule status.
Stating that the Garo community has been confronted with a staggering betrayal, it alleged that the Garo Students’ Union (Assam State Zone), in a deeply contentious and controversial move, has aligned itself with the Rabha Hasong Sixth Schedule Demand Committee (RHSSDC).
“By endorsing the grant of Sixth Schedule status purportedly on behalf of the Garo community, the GSU (ASZ) has egregiously undermined and betrayed the geniune aspirations and fundamental interests of the Garo people of Assam. The Garo Students’ Union (ASZ) has acted against the unified and geniune aspirations of the Garo people. By aligning themselves with the RHSSDC, the GSU (ASZ) has betrayed the fundamental interests of our community. Their endorsement of the Sixth Schedule status for the RHAC, purportedly on behalf of the Garo community, is an act of egregious betrayal,” it said while adding “We want to make it clear that our opposition is not against the Garo Students’ Union, Central Executive Committee (CEC), GSU Nagaland or GSU BTC (Assam).”
According to the Forum, the entire Garo community of Assam stands against the specific actions taken by the GSU (ASZ) in supporting the Sixth Schedule to RHAC without consulting the community.
On December 23, 2024, the leaders of the GSU (ASZ) issued a statement targeting Pholince Sangma, Chairman of the UGACMC, Assam, for his statement and allegations against GSU (ASZ) regarding their support for the RHSSDC and their participation in a Dharna at Jantar Mantar, Delhi.
On this, the Forum said, “We, the All Assam Garo NGOs Forum, unequivocally condemn the act of GSU (ASZ) supporting the Sixth Schedule to the RHAC without any discussion with Garo community leaders, NGOs, stakeholders, and the community. The actions of the GSU (ASZ) have been taken without any consultation or consent from the broader Garo community, displaying a blatant disregard for our collective voices.”
“This betrayal by the GSU(ASZ) is a grave injustice to the Garo people, and we stand united in our fight for our rights and our future. We will not tolerate any actions that undermine our legitimate aspirations and demands. The Garo community remains steadfast in our pursuit of justice and the establishment of a distinct Garo Autonomous Council,” it stated.
Meanwhile, the Forum also called upon all Garo individuals and organizations to join in this crucial struggle “to ensure that our voices are heard and our demands are met. It is imperative that we remain united and vigilant in our fight for justice and our rightful place in Assam.”
Also Read:Â IAF hosts industry outreach event in Guwahati to boost defence innovation
Also Watch
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on-
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel-Â www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram-Â www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
 in Assam for allegedly supporting the Sixth Schedule status to the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC).){kind=link}