Three influential pressure groups on May 25 petitioned the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), asking it to restore traditional A•chik names to several towns and villages they say have been renamed in non-Garo languages. The Niksamso Garo Community Organization (NGCO), A•chik National Youth Organisation (ANYO) and A•chik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK) submitted a joint memorandum to GHADC Chief Executive Member Dhormonath Sangma in Tura requesting an administrative review and formal reinstatement of original Garo titles.
The groups argued that many settlements within the Sixth Schedule areas of the Garo Hills originally bore A•chik names that reflect the community’s history and heritage, but were later recorded in non-Garo languages across the plain belts and hill fringes. “Non-Garo nomenclature is eroding the indigenous footprint of the region,” the memorandum said, warning that the shift threatens the A•chik language, customs and identity by obscuring historical recognition.
The memorandum listed specific localities proposed for “name restoration,” including Araimile and Dermile in Tura and larger towns such as Phulbari, Rajabala, Selsella, Bhaitbari, Gomaijhora, Mirjumla, Batabari, Balachanda, Bajengdoba, Holdibari and Dainadubi. The organisations urged the GHADC to use its constitutional authority under the Sixth Schedule-provisions that govern administration of tribal areas-to examine records and reinstate traditional names where appropriate.
Council officials received the memorandum, but the GHADC has not yet announced a timeline or formal process for the requested review. Supporters of the move say name restoration would strengthen cultural preservation, while any administrative changes would require documentation, legal review and coordination with state and district authorities before implementation.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/05/26/demand-to-restore-garo-names-of-villages-in-gh/
Category: MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2026-05-26 02:26:00
