UGAMC leaders in Goalpara on Tuesday. Image: Northeast Now
UGAMC leaders in Goalpara on Tuesday. Image: Northeast Now

The Garos of Assam has welcomed the recent decision of the Assam government to create autonomous councils for Moran-Motok and the Koch Rajbongshi.

The United Garo Autonomous Council Movement Committee (UGACMC), an umbrella organisation of several organisations of the Garo people in Assam, said this to the press on Goalpara.

“The recent creation of Kamtapur Autonomous Council is a welcome initiative with respect to the fulfilment of the aspirations of the indigenous tribes,” said UGACMC chairman Alex K Sangma.

“However, we still stand by our long-time demand of a separate Garo Autonomous Council for about 4.50 lakh Garo people in Assam,” Sangma added

“The creation of the Kamtapur and Moran-Motok autonomous councils have paved the way for the creation of a separate Garo council,” he added.

“This will do justice to the social, cultural and economic aspirations of one of the most deprived tribes of Assam,” Sangma reiterated.

Speaking to the press UGAMC general secretary Thengsil Sangma threatened to intensify their agitation if the demands for the autonomous council is not heard by the government.

“We have planned to take out a rally at Dudhnoi in Goalpara district after Magh Bihu and intensify our agitation,” he said.

“The tentative date of the proposed rally will be announced soon,” he reiterated.

Sofikul Ahmed is Northeast Now Correspondent in Goalpara. He can be reached at: [email protected]