A youth organisation in Meghalaya has formally urged Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to initiate steps to rename the state, arguing that its current name does not reflect the identity and history of its indigenous communities.
In a letter dated April 2, the All A’chik Youth Federation (AAYF), headquartered in Tura, submitted a representation to the Chief Minister’s Office in Shillong. The organisation has demanded that the state be renamed “Khasi-Jaintia-Garo Land,” while also suggesting alternative names such as “Tribal Land” or “Tribal State.”
The federation said the proposal has been made under Clause (e) of Article 3 of the Constitution and requested the Chief Minister to table a motion in the upcoming session of the state Assembly to begin the renaming process.
Demand linked to historical context of statehood
Explaining the basis of its demand, the organisation said the issue is rooted in the historical circumstances under which Meghalaya was formed. The state was carved out of Assam on January 21, 1972, following widespread protests by hill tribes against the imposition of Assamese as the official language.
The Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia communities had sought a separate state to safeguard their distinct languages, traditions, customs, and matrilineal systems. According to the AAYF, this historical struggle was central to the creation of Meghalaya, and the state’s identity should reflect these communities.
“It was because of these unique identities that the hill tribes were granted a separate state and not because of the region’s cloud-covered geography,” the letter stated.
‘Meghalaya’ name does not represent indigenous communities
The organisation argued that the name “Meghalaya,” which translates to “Abode of the Clouds” in Sanskrit, has no direct connection to the Khasi, Jaintia, or Garo tribes.
It said the current name fails to represent the people for whom the state was created and instead reflects a geographical characteristic rather than cultural identity.
By proposing the name “Khasi-Jaintia-Garo Land,” the group said it aims to give recognition to the three principal indigenous communities and their historical role in the formation of the state.
Call for legislative action and broader discussion
AAYF vice-president Te Rikkam P Marak urged the state government to take the matter forward through constitutional means by introducing a motion in the Assembly.
“We humbly request that the appropriate motion be introduced during the upcoming Assembly session,” the letter said, expressing hope that the government would consider the demand seriously.
The organisation emphasised that any such move should be carried out through due process, allowing for wider discussion and consultation.
Acknowledges government’s earlier initiatives
In its letter, the federation also thanked the Chief Minister for addressing earlier demands raised by Garo organisations, particularly steps related to the mandatory issuance of Scheduled Tribe certificates in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council.
