GSMC condemns N Biren Singh’s remarks on late PA Sangma

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 3, 2025

The Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC) has strongly condemned recent remarks made by former Manipur Chief Minister and BJP leader N Biren Singh against Late PA Sangma, the former Lok Sabha Speaker.

In a statement issued on April 2, Rimjem Ch. Sangma, Chairman of GSMC Pedaldoba Regional Unit, termed Singh’s statement as “condemnable and unacceptable.” Singh had claimed that PA Sangma’s advocacy for smaller states was a divisive idea aimed at breaking the Northeast along ethnic lines. However, GSMC countered this, asserting that Sangma’s demand was focused on administrative efficiency rather than ethnic divisions. The committee highlighted that his demand was in line with the Linguistic Reorganization Act of 1956, which played a key role in shaping Indian states.

Rimjem Ch. Sangma pointed out that several new states in India have been created based on language and governance needs, with over 20 more currently demanding statehood. He also compared the situation to the U.S., where smaller states have been formed successfully, questioning why India cannot follow a similar approach.

The GSMC chairman criticized Singh’s “narrow-minded” remarks, stating that they were an insult not only to the Garo people but to all tribal communities advocating for separate states. He demanded a public apology to tribal communities, the Garo people, and the Sangma family.

Hek says there is nothing wrong to demand for smaller states

He further accused Singh of attempting to divert attention from his own failures, citing the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur since May 2023. He alleged that Singh’s tenure witnessed over 250 deaths, the burning of churches, and the displacement of thousands. He questioned Singh’s leadership, asking why he failed to restore peace if he truly had control over the situation.

The GSMC reaffirmed that the demand for Garoland dates back to pre-independence times, recalling the struggles of late Soraram R Sangma, who fought for a Greater Garoland. The statement also mentioned the sacrifices made during the A·chik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) movement. It noted that late PA Sangma had raised the demand for Garoland in Parliament in 2014, and the GSMC has continued the movement since 2012.

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Reiterating its commitment to the demand for Garoland, the GSMC rejected Singh’s criticism and denounced what it called his “political drama.”