Tura, March 10: South Garo Hills–based social activist Greneth M. Sangma has issued an open letter to Muslim community leaders in Garo Hills, urging them to promote communal harmony and respect the constitutional safeguards governing the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
The letter, dated March 10, was addressed to Rajabala MLA Mizanur Rahman Kazi, former MDC Sofior Rehman, former MLA and MDC Esmatur Mominin, and other community leaders.
In the letter, Sangma expressed concern over what he described as growing tensions triggered by debates on social media and legal challenges related to the functioning of the GHADC.
Highlighting the constitutional framework, Sangma stated that the GHADC operates under Article 244(2) of the Constitution and the Sixth Schedule, which are designed to protect the land rights, culture and governance systems of indigenous tribal communities.
He cautioned that challenges to provisions such as the requirement of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for candidates contesting GHADC elections could undermine constitutional protections meant for the indigenous Garo community.
The letter referred to the Edwingson Bareh vs State of Assam (1966) case, which upheld the constitutional validity of tribal safeguards in autonomous district councils. It also cited the R.C. Poudyal vs Union of India (1994) judgment, where the Supreme Court recognised special constitutional arrangements for certain regions as legitimate mechanisms to preserve local identity.
Sangma also raised concerns about what he termed “digital warfare” on social media, alleging that provocative narratives were creating unnecessary friction between communities.
“Continuous legal and social challenges to tribal rights only serve to provoke anger among the Garo people,” the letter stated, urging community leaders to discourage inflammatory rhetoric and guide younger members of their community towards dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
Calling for restraint, Sangma said peace and harmony could be maintained if all communities respect the laws governing tribal land and administrative institutions under the Sixth Schedule.
Copies of the letter were forwarded to the Governor of Meghalaya, the Chief Executive Member of GHADC in Tura, the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, the Superintendent of Police of West Garo Hills, and editors of electronic and print media for wider public awareness.
