Regional Council Demand Committee Forms in Meghalaya, Plotting to Strengthen Indigenous Minorities’ Voice
In a significant development for the indigenous minority tribes of Meghalaya, the Regional Council Demand Committee (RCDC) has been formed to intensify the demand for a Regional Council within the state. The move was announced during a special meeting held at Babedpara in West Garo Hills district, which saw 54 members attend and pledge their support to the cause. The RCDC has vowed to work closely with the Meghalaya Indigenous Minority Tribals Forum (MIMTF), which has been advocating for the creation of a Regional Council since the start of their movement.
The RCDC’s leadership has been finalized, with former Meghalaya Minister Dr. K.C. Boro elected as the Chairman and Ananda Koch named the General Secretary. Promod Koch will take on the role of Chairman of the Advisory Board. The appointments are seen as crucial in driving the RCDC’s mission forward, according to sources. The RCDC’s stance on being a public body, free from politics and party affiliations, is likely to help build trust among the indigenous minority tribes that they represent.
The movement for a Regional Council, which currently lies dormant in the state, is driven by several indigenous minority tribal communities, including the Hajong, Koch, Rabha, Boro-Kachari, Mann, and Karbi tribes. In the past, the MIMTF has submitted memoranda to various key authorities in New Delhi, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Governor of Meghalaya, and Chairman of the National ST Commission, reiterating their demand for the Regional Council. However, despite these efforts, their voices have yet to be heard.
The formation of the RCDC is seen as a breakthrough in the long-standing demand for greater autonomy and representation for indigenous minority tribes in Meghalaya. With the current setup, there are only three Autonomous District Councils in the state: the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), and the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC). The RCDC’s plans to work closely with the MIMTF will likely play a crucial role in driving their campaign forward and potentially securing the long-awaited recognition of their rights.
As the RCDC prepares to take the forefront of the indigenous minority tribes’ movement, their demands will likely gain further attention from state authorities. Whether their efforts will bear fruit remains to be seen, but the momentum created by this formation paves the way for a new wave of advocacy and awareness within the region. Meghalaya’s indigenous minority tribes and their long-fought struggle for representation now have a powerful new ally in the Regional Council Demand Committee.
Original Source: https://nenews.in/meghalaya/regional-council-demand-committee-formed-to-intensify-indigenous-minority-tribals-demand-in-meghalaya/23059/
Category : Meghalaya,Hajong,Koch
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Publish Date: 2025-04-05 22:16:00
