Tura, Apr 2: The East Zone of the Garo Students’ Union (GSU) has urged Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to step in over what it describes as the growing dominance of non-local labourers and businesses in Garo Hills.
In a representation submitted to the chief minister, the student body said local markets are increasingly being taken over by non-indigenous operators, limiting opportunities for tribal communities in trade, small businesses and manual work.
“A significant portion of the local markets in Garo Hills has come to be occupied and operated by non-indigenous persons. In many instances, such individuals, upon establishing business activities, have also secured residential settlements and integrated into the local system. This has led to growing concern that economic spaces—particularly in trade, small businesses and manual labour—are becoming less accessible to indigenous people.”
It also raised concerns that much of the income generated from such activities is flowing out of the state, weakening local economic circulation.
“With constrained access to government employment and increasing competition in private and informal sectors, the scope for small-scale business and labour is diminishing due to the dominance of non-local operators.”
Calling for urgent intervention, the GSU pushed for stricter enforcement of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), regulation of migrant labour, and measures to ensure greater participation of local workers in businesses and government-linked projects.
The union, however, clarified that it is not seeking to restrict movement, but wants a “fair and regulated system” that protects indigenous livelihoods while maintaining constitutional balance.
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