The President of the Jaiñtia National Council (JNC), Central Executive Committee, Sambormi Lyngdoh, strongly criticized remarks made by Dr. Mukul Sangma Leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) Meghalaya Unit, regarding students who join non-governmental organisations. The statement was delivered during a public meeting organised by the “Nangrimgimin Achik Dol (NAD)” in Ampati, Garo Hills, on Thursday.
The public meeting was convened by the Nangrimgimin Achik Dol (NAD), a coalition of several Garo non-governmental organisations, and was attended by representatives from multiple civil society groups across the Garo Hills region.
Responding to remarks reportedly made by Dr. Mukul Sangma during a recent Assembly session, where he allegedly claimed that students today join NGOs primarily to collect illegal money, Lyngdoh strongly rejected the statement and expressed concern over what he described as an unfair portrayal of student organisations.
“Students do not join organisations for financial gain. They come together to defend the interests of their communities, safeguard indigenous rights, and raise issues that affect their future,” Lyngdoh said during the meeting.
He further stated that the growing participation of youth in civil society organisations reflects a lack of confidence in political leadership. According to Lyngdoh, many students and community members believe that civil society organisations have been more proactive in advocating for indigenous rights, protecting ancestral lands, and highlighting pressing social issues affecting the region”.
The gathering focused on two major concerns affecting the Garo Hills region:
Participants demanded “swift and fair justice” in connection with the killing of “late Delsing Marak”, a member of one of the constituent organisations under the NAD coalition. Civil society leaders urged the authorities to ensure that those responsible for the incident are identified and brought to justice without delay.
The organisations also called for “strong and immediate action by the government” to identify and push back illegal Bangladeshi migrants reportedly settled in parts of the Garo Hills. According to the organisations, the issue raises serious concerns regarding demographic changes, regional security, and the protection of indigenous communities and their land rights.
Leaders present at the meeting emphasised the need for greater accountability from elected representatives and reiterated the role of civil society in defending the interests and rights of indigenous communities in Meghalaya.
After which a Public Rally witnessed significant participation from NGOs and community representatives from across the Garo Hills region, reflecting widespread concern over governance, security, and indigenous rights.
