Guwahati: Multiple groups from Meghalaya’s Garo Hills gathered at Jantar Mantar to protest alleged land grabs and other issues caused by unauthorized settlers in the region on Sunday, March 22.
The protest was led by the Nangrimingin A’chik Dol (NAD), which drew attention to intimidation and disturbances impacting Meghalaya’s indigenous communities.
Protesters claimed that illegal settlers have occupied tribal land and resources, increasing tensions and threatening constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.
The NAD, in its statement, accused certain recent conflicts of being intentional efforts to unsettle local communities. The organisation also faulted officials for not stopping unauthorised settlements and denounced the targeting and temporary detention of human rights defenders supporting indigenous populations.
The NAD urged a full and independent inquiry into illegal settlements, called for the removal of unauthorised occupants from tribal territories following GHADC regulations, requested tighter oversight along the borders, sought an NIA investigation into Dilseng M. Sangma’s killing, and demanded proper follow-up on recent crimes reported in the Chibinang locality.
The activists also demanded compensation for the victim’s family and called on both state and central officials to ensure that the A’chik community’s land, cultural heritage, and legal entitlements are safeguarded.