Ampati: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoongo visited Chenga Benga Temple at Gandhipara in Meghalaya’s South West Garo Hills on Monday (April 7), the concluding day of the Ashoka Ashtami celebrations.
During his visit, the Meghalaya Indigenous Minority Tribal Forum (MIMTF) submitted a memorandum to Kanoongo, detailing critical issues faced by the indigenous minority tribal communities in the state.
The memorandum highlighted grievances related to the state’s job reservation policy, need for Assembly constituency delimitation, restrictions on Durga Puja celebrations, absence of a Hindu graveyard in Baghmara, issues in Esamati (South West Khasi Hills and East Khasi Hills), challenges concerning the Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC), and a demand for the creation of a Regional Council.
Thousands of devotees attended the four-day festival from April 4 to 7.
During the visit, Priyank Kanoongo also interacted with temple authorities, community leaders, and local residents, appreciating their role in preserving tradition and promoting communal harmony.
Community members renewed their call for justice in connection with an alleged gang rape incident during last year’s mela, urging the NHRC to ensure stronger security measures during future festivals.
Shri Priyank Kanoongo honoured Samuel Sangma, Officer-in-Charge of Garodoba ADC, with the ‘Koch Sokatharay’ for his sincerity and dedicated service.
While this year’s celebrations were peaceful on the Meghalaya side, an incident of assault was reported from Assam.
A devotee, Basudev Hajong from Poskunipara village in South Salmara-Mankachar district, was allegedly beaten en route the mela in Teporpara, Assam.
Kanoongo was accompanied by Vikash Kumar, Superintendent of Police; Zanera R Marak, District Social Welfare Officer; Tanweera M Sangma, District Child Protection Officer; Harkumar Hajong, retired IES officer, and Pramod Koch, MDC Dalu.
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His visit was part of an official NHRC tour of the Northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura.
The NHRC member’s visit reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to human rights, cultural inclusivity, and the concerns of minority tribal communities in the region.
