Tura, July 12: In a first of its kind and crossing the ethnic and political barriers, two major groups from two separate demography regions- the Khasi and Garo areas of the state, have announced a decision to work together in taking forward the statehood movement in their respective domains.

The Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC) in the Garo Hills region held a high level meeting with their counterparts from Khasi Hills region – HSPDP, a political party, have unanimously decided to join hands and work together to move the Statehood demand forward keeping in mind the sentiments of both sides during the movement.

A high level delegation of the HSPDP led by its President K P Pangniang and Joint Secretary P Rynthathiang met with GSMC Co-Chairman Balkarin Marak along with GSU leaders from East Garo Hills Zone and other units at Tura circuit house on Saturday evening.

An agreement has been made by both the pro-statehood parties to set up a special Coordination Committee that will take forward the statehood demand including a proposal to handover a joint memorandum to both the central and state governments seeking separate Khasi-jaintia and Garoland states.