Nongpoh, Dec 19: The Garo community in Ri-Bhoi District under the banner of All Ri Bhoi Garo Headman Association (ARBGHA) on Monday organized a rally at Rangsokuna demanding appointment and Sanad to all the existing 56 Garo villages in the Ri Bhoi District.

The rally was organised to protest over a letter by the Hima Mylliem to the Office of Ri Bhoi’s Deputy commissioner, asking non-acceptance of any No Objection Certificates or land documents being issued by the Garo Headmen.

During the rally, the participants of the rally displayed banners and placards strongly protesting the letter of the Hima Mylliem.

Nickel R. Marak, Adviser of Association, and John R Marak stated that they will organize more protests in the coming days if the Hima Mylliem and KHADC do not recognise the Garo Headmen. They said the Garos are also tribals and they have the right to settle anywhere and everywhere in the State and to practice their own culture and identity as enshrined in the Constitution of India under the Sixth Schedule.

They further said a petition will soon be submitted to the KHADC, Hima Mylliem and Syiem of Raid Marwet requesting to empower the Garo headmen and to regulate their functions as per the customary laws.

However, if their demands are not considered, they will carry out more agitations to demand of their rights and their Identity as the Garo Community in Ri Bhoi District and State in general, they added.