Meghalaya: Warning of security of local tribals and constitutional crisis

Guwahati: A group from Meghalaya has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene to resolve a “serious humanitarian and constitutional crisis” in the Garo Hills region, allegedly caused by illegal migrants from Bangladesh.
The Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC), which advocates for the division of Meghalaya, said the recent murder of Dilseng M. Sangma, a tribal youth, raises serious concerns.
The attack, carried out by a group of migrants primarily from Bangladesh and parts of Assam, highlights the growing challenges facing tribal communities in the Northeast.
In a letter to the Prime Minister dated January 13, 2026, the GSMC claimed that Sangma’s death exposed serious deficiencies in governance, law enforcement, and the protection of tribal rights under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
Tony Tojrang B., General Secretary of the GSMC. Marak said, “There is growing concern about unchecked illegal immigration in the Northeast region, especially in areas protected under the Sixth Schedule. Reports indicate that tribal lands are being forcibly occupied, identity documents such as Aadhaar and Voter IDs are being forged on a large scale, and administrative processes are being manipulated to justify illegal settlements.”
He further warned that these incidents not only threaten tribal land rights and demographic balance, but also national security and constitutional safeguards.
The organization appealed for investigation into possible foreign or organized networks supporting such illegal activities.
The GSMC accused both the Meghalaya government and the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council of failing to take effective action against illegal immigration, land grabbing, and related illegal activities.
The group stated, “Continuous lack of action has strengthened illegal networks and created a sense of fear, insecurity, and injustice among the local tribal population. If these issues are not addressed, they could permanently alter the demographic structure of the region and undermine constitutionally protected tribal lands, as well as create long-term law and order problems.”
The organization urged the Prime Minister to take concrete steps, including identifying and deporting illegal migrants, canceling illegal land and revenue documents, dismantling the network involved in fake identity cards, and holding the officials responsible accountable.
A group linked to illegal stone mining is said to have murdered Dilseng Sangma in West Garo Hills on January 10, sparking local unrest that was later contained after Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma appealed for peace.