Tura, Feb 15: The Garo National Union (GNU), an umbrella organizationof political and non-political organization today met at Mesalkawa in Assam’s Goalpara. The meeting has drawn sharp censure against Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi for his comment that Garos will be given Development Corporation.
Gogoi had said in the floor of the assembly on February 13, “The state has a number of Garo population and for their welfare a Garo development corporation should be formed”.
President of GNU, Obinash D Sangma said, “We will never accept anything short of Garo Autonomous Council”. He termed chief ministers’ remark as biased. “If other plain belt tribals in Assam can beaccorded a council, why can’t the Garos?”
He also said that chief minister in their meeting on December 10 lastat Dispur had assured a council for the Garos.Urging Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi to keep his word, Pro Vice Chancellor of ICFAI University, Dr Militon Sangma, a noted Garoactivist recollected, “Gogoi had said Garos deserve a council”.
He also pointed that Gogoi had asked the Garo organization to bepatient, as their demand for the council was new.
During its last meeting in December with Gogoi, they had given an impression that Garos in Assam have become ‘impatient’ and council isthe only solution.
Dr. Sangma echoed that Garos residing in rural Kamrup and Goalpara district continues to remain firm on their stand for an autonomous council.(SP News)
