TURA:
Dozens of citizens of Garo Hills who took part in the non violent struggle to attain the hill state have been fondly remembered and honoured on the occasion of Meghalaya’s 50th Statehood Year during the official programme held at the DC park in Tura on Friday morning.
Organised by the West Garo Hills district administration with deputy commissioner Ram Singh taking part, the contributions made by the leaders of the movement were recalled during the celebrations.
It was a sight to witness one of the last remaining leaders of the Hill State Movement, former Chief Executive Member of GHADC and state minister, 98 year old Albinstone M Sangma arrive at the event to participate in this golden jubilee event.
The nonagenarian political leader was felicitated for his role in the statehood struggle.
Albinstone Sangma recalled the jubiliant scenes among the sea of humanity on the inaugural day of the state at Garrison ground in Shillong on January 21st 1972 which he attended with other Statehood leaders from Garo and Khasi Hills region. For him, it was history in the making.
The struggle for statehood spanned across the entire region and included not just the tribal leaders but members from various communities, special active members and student volunteers.
In their honor special citations were presented during today’s special event to mark the golden jubilee.
Those honored for their role were Meghalaya’s first Chief Minister Lt Captain Williamson A Sangma, Lt. Emerson Momin, Lt. Emonsing M Sangma, Lt. Rangam G Momin, Lt. Karnesh R Marak, Lt. Mody K Marak, Lt Bronson W Momin, Lt. Grohonsing A Marak, Lt Sandford K Marak, Lt. Nimosh S Sangma, Lt. Garnette Bangshal, Lt. Anondo Kishore Ghosh, Lt. Suresh Das, Lt. Rosely P Marak, Lt. Percylina R Marak, Albinstone M Sangma, Netji  M Marak, Lt. Mon Bahadur Newar, Brewingson M Sangma, Lt Arshid P Marak, Lt. Lambert K Sangma, Lt. Bokrin R Marak, Lt. Patrick R Marak, Lt. Ashabendro M Momin, Lt. Mereni R Marak, Lt. Clifford R Marak, Lt. Masonsing M Sangma, Lt. Throbish R Marak, Lt. Barol D Shira, Lt. Chandana Arengh, David Ch Sangma, Filimina B Sangma, Blessibon R Marak, Lt. Eunice R Marak, Veronica Ch Momin, Lt. Meena R Marak, Kyrus Ch Sangma, Lt. Sukbir Rai, Lt. Dolbir Rai, Deben Hajong, Nidhuram Hajong, Lt. Deochand Teli, Lt. Pohora Diwani Hajong, Lt. Gajendra Hajong, Lt Lal Behari Hajong, Lt. Rameshwar Hajong, Lt Janardhan Tiwari, Lt. Khelaram Barman (Hajong), Lt. Jogobandu Barman (Hajong) and Lt. Dhabeol Barman (Hajong).
Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh told the gathering that preserving and protecting the unique culture of the people, safeguarding the state’s geographical features and its rich biodiversity ought to be every citizen’s responsibility.
He spoke about the worrying changes taking place in Garo Hills where massive commercial plantations are being practiced in the region which is leading to widespread destruction of the rich forest cover and setting off a chain of events including the drying up of water sources and drying up the rich soil.
The great migration of people from rural to urban in search of better opportunities is offsetting the natural chain as farming in the villages is falling because the youth are moving away to cities and towns.
The President of the Nokma Council, Tura and retired Inspector General of Police Skylance G Momin expressed his appreciation to the leaders who struggled and succeeded in getting Meghalaya state. He advised the need for a balanced approach when it came to development and increase in human habitation because the current situation is witnessing a fast reduction in forest cover of the state.
Retired government officer, Mrs. Blessibon R Marak who was a student volunteer during the struggle for statehood mentioned about how the movement came about.
she said the main reason to demand separate Hill State was due to imposition of Assamese language as the main language of the state. This united all communities across the hills and a mass movement began that was unable to be stopped.
Despite a much-watered down celebration due to a spike in covid infections, special numbers, such as patriotic songs and instrumentals were presented during the celebration.
The Member of District Council, GHADC, representing Tura constituency Bernard N Marak, government officials including Commandant of 2nd MLP Battalion S Rynjah, Heads of line departments, members and Volunteers of Hill State Movement and their family members, Senior Citizens joined in the celebration at the DC park.