Shillong, April 12: The joint revival meeting of Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) held in Tura has discussed common issues like reducing the number of Scheduled Tribes in Meghalaya to the indigenous ones from the list of over 50 recognised tribes.
The issues like ILP, MRSSA amendment, 44% reservation for Central government jobs also came up.
The meeting was chaired by HYC president Roykupar Synrem.
This is the second meeting of the group after the first CoMSO revival meeting held on March 31 in Shillong.
Another issue raised was the need to address land encroachment by Assam, as well as illegal settlements by non-indigenous communities within Meghalaya. This issue was raised by NGO leader John Marak.
Among the participating organisations were the Hynñiewtrep Youth Council (HYC), Jaiñtia National Council (JNC), Jaiñtia Students Movement (JSM), Confederation of Ri-Bhoi People (CORP), Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC), A’chik Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK), A’chik Progressive Approach (APA), and A’chik Socio-Economic Justice Forum (UASCJF), alongside other community leaders.
ACHIK has not officially joined CoMSO though its members participated in the meeting.
ACHIK will consult Krima Council members before taking a decision.
HYC leader Synrem stressed the importance of forging a collective vision for the indigenous communities of Meghalaya. He reminded those present of the earlier discussions that had taken place in Shillong, where a shared commitment was made to form a unified platform to address common issues and challenges.
The revival of CoMSO brings together the combined strength and resolve of the Khasi, Jaiñtia, and Garo communities, creating a cohesive front to address common concerns.
A highlight of the meeting was the selection of new office bearers for CoMSO’s core committee. The elected officials represent the varied and diverse voices of the indigenous communities of the state, and their selection marks a fresh phase in CoMSO’s mission. Synrem was elected as the chairman, while Sambormi Lyngdoh, president of the Jaiñtia National Council (JNC), and Roger D. Shira, president of the A’chik Progressive Approach (APA), were chosen as the vice-chairmen. Balbina Ch. Marak, acting chairman of the Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC), will be the general secretary, and Bandori Rymbithlang, president of the Confederation of Ri-Bhoi People (CORP), along with Roytre Dkhar, general secretary of the Jaiñtia Students Movement (JSM), will serve as additional general secretaries.
Organising secretaries were also appointed for each region: Jacius Sangma for Garo Hills, Rhembor G. Saibon for Khasi Hills, and Nanshua Sutnga for Jaiñtia Hills. The publicity Secretary positions were assigned to Jubanjoy Swer and Tony Marak for Khasi & Jaiñtia Hills and Garo Hills, respectively. A key addition to the leadership team is the appointment of Cherian Momin, a social activist and lawyer as the official Advisor to COMSO, underscoring the importance of expert guidance and strategic insight in COMSO’s mission.
A statement by CoMSO said the formation of the new leadership also marks a shift towards greater regional representation. By assigning specific organising secretaries for each of the three major regions—Garo Hills, Khasi Hills, and Jaiñtia Hills—CoMSO ensures that every community’s unique concerns are taken into account, it added.
