Shillong, May 16: Social activist Cherian Momin has petitioned Chief Minister and Governor on the need to provide legal recognition to indigenous tribals, administrative transparency, and cultural preservation that are vital to the people of the Garo Hills and the broader tribal communities across Meghalaya.
A major focus of Momin’s engagements was the Garo Customary Law (GCL) codification, which is a landmark legislative effort to formally recognise and protect the indigenous customary laws of the Garo people.
“I submitted a formal letter to the Hon’ble Governor appealing for the prompt assent to the GCL codification. It is disheartening that despite the completion of the codification, the document has not yet been forwarded to the Governor’s office for the much-awaited assent. This delay impedes the constitutional and cultural rights of the indigenous communities who depend on their customary laws for governance, identity, and social order. During the meeting, I assured the Governor of my continued active follow-up on this matter, including plans to engage with the Council Affairs Department and the Law Department of the Meghalaya Government. It is essential that all procedural steps be expedited to bring this long-pending matter to a just conclusion”, he said.
To underscore the urgency, he also submitted a copy of the appeal to the Chief Minister’s office, urging his government to prioritize the forwarding of the GCL codification for assent. The chief minister received the submission and acknowledged the significance of legally safeguarding the customary rights of indigenous communities. “He assured me of the administration’s commitment to facilitating the procedural formalities required to hasten the assent. The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) remains a vital stakeholder in this process, and it is imperative that its voice and interests are fully respected and integrated into the legal framework”, he said.
Alleged misuse of tribe certificate
Another pressing issue raised by Momin with the chief minister pertains to the case involving Esther Ngurlienmoi Marak, a candidate listed under the Garo Scheduled Tribe quota in the recent Meghalaya Civil Service (MCS) recruitment conducted by the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC). Questions have arisen regarding the authenticity of her caste certificate, which forms the basis for her inclusion in the Garo quota. Reservation policies for Scheduled Tribes are designed to uplift genuine tribal communities and provide equitable opportunities. Any misrepresentation or misuse threatens to undermine the constitutional safeguards intended for these marginalized groups, he said.
The chief minister has taken up the matter seriously and directed the concerned department to conduct an inquiry into the authenticity of the candidate’s documents. “This inquiry is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the reservation system and ensuring that only deserving candidates benefit from these constitutional protections.
Beyond administrative and legal matters, he submitted a proposal for a cultural initiative that holds deep significance for the people of the Garo Hills. The proposal involves the screening of a documentary film on World War I, created by Wanphrang Diengdoh, at the Tura District Auditorium. This documentary sheds light on the remarkable contributions of the Garo people during the first world war, a chapter of history that remains largely untold. The screening will be complemented by a video conferencing session with the filmmaker himself, allowing the audience to engage directly with the narrative and gain deeper insights. Such initiatives are crucial for preserving and celebrating the historical memory of indigenous communities, fostering a sense of pride and identity, and educating younger generations about their heritage.
