Ampati, April 8: Priyank Kanoongo, Member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), on Monday visited the Chenga Benga Temple in Gandhipara in South West Garo Hills, the final day of the Ashoka Ashtami celebrations.
During his visit, the Meghalaya Indigenous Minority Tribal Forum (MIMTF) submitted a memorandum detailing critical issues faced by Indigenous Minority Tribal communities in the state. The memorandum highlighted several grievances, including dissatisfaction with the state’s job reservation policy, the demand for delimitation of Assembly constituencies, restrictions on Durga Puja celebrations, the lack of a Hindu graveyard in Baghmara, unresolved issues in Esamati across South West and East Khasi Hills, challenges in obtaining Permanent Resident Certificates (PRCs), and a call for the creation of a Regional Council to better represent and address the community’s interests.
Thousands of devotees gathered for the four-day Ashoka Ashtami festival, held from April 4 to 7, which drew people from across the region in a celebration of faith and tradition.
During his visit, Kanoongo engaged with temple authorities, local residents, and community leaders, expressing appreciation for their role in upholding cultural practices and fostering communal harmony.
On the occasion, community members renewed their call for justice in last year’s alleged gang rape during the mela, urging the NHRC to ensure stronger security measures during future festivals.
In recognition of his public service, Kanoongo honoured Samuel Sangma, Officer-in-Charge of the Garodoba ADC, with the ‘Koch Sokatharay Award’ for his sincerity and dedication to duty.
While this year’s celebrations proceeded peacefully on the Meghalaya side, tensions flared in neighbouring Assam, where Basudev Hajong, a devotee from Poskunipara village in the South Salmara-Mankachar district, was allegedly assaulted enroute to the festival in Teporpara.
Kanoongo was accompanied by Vikash Kumar, Superintendent of Police of South West Garo Hills; Zanera R. Marak, District Social Welfare Officer; Tanweera M. Sangma, District Child Protection Officer; Harkumar Hajong, retired Indian Economic Service officer; and Pramod Koch, Member of the District Council from Dalu. His visit was part of an official NHRC tour of the Northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura.
Read: Meghalaya Cricket Association awarded recognised for playing in Elite Group of BCCI
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- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
