Shillong: Meghalaya’s opposition Congress legislator, George Lyngdoh on Friday urged the state Government to select a delegation of legislators to visit Bangladesh and show solidarity with the indigenous communities (Khasis, Garos and Jaintia) residing in the neighbouring country
Raising the issue of reported atrocities on indigenous Khasi and Garo people in Bangladesh, the Congress legislator urged the state government to take proactive steps to convey its concerns for the indigenous Khasi, Jaintia and Garo people in Bangladesh to the Government of India.
“I appeal to the Bangladesh Government to protect the rights of our Khasi, Jaintia and Garo friends who are minorities in their country,” he said, adding that the people of the state stand in solidarity with the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo friends and their families living in Bangladesh who got separated due to partition.
“Even if they are separated by letter, the spirit of fraternity with the brothers and sisters is still strong,” the Congress legislator said.
“We are citizens of two different countries but the feeling of oneness has not diminished till date. This issue is very delicate and needs to be handled diplomatically through proper government channels,” Lyngdoh said.
In his reply, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said with regards to the issue relating to the attack on Khasis and Garos including damage to their properties reported from time to time, a memorandum was sent to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh by one social activist, journalist, requesting the government to intervene in the matter.
“This is a matter of the Government of India but as a State it had also taken the initiative of forwarding that memorandum for their information and necessary action,” Chief Minister said.
Quoting reports, Sangma informed the Assembly that on August 24, 2021, 28000 betel trees belonging to the Khasi and Garo communities were destroyed and on August 27, 2021, three Khasi youths were attacked while on their way home.
He further informed that on September 2, a protest was held in Press Club Chattar, Moaulvi Bazaar in Bangladesh with the demand to ensure that the land rights of the Khasis and on the same day, a memorandum was handed to the deputy commissioner.
Moreover, Sangma informed that a reconciliation rally was held on September 6 at the minority community centre which was attended by various Bangladeshi officials.
