Shillong: A leading indigenous rights coalition in Meghalaya, the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO), has voiced significant concerns regarding alleged misrepresentation in the issuance of tribal identity certificates. The controversy centres on a recent appointment to the Meghalaya Civil Services, which has ignited broader scrutiny of the state’s reservation policies.
CoMSO is specifically challenging the appointment of Esther Ngurlienmoi Marak to a position within the Meghalaya Civil Services under the quota reserved for the Garo Scheduled Tribe. The coalition asserts that Marak does not possess genuine matrilineal Garo lineage, lacks recognition within a Garo Mahari (clan), and has no demonstrable ties to Garo traditional customs.
“This particular case, now subject to public debate, is not an isolated incident—it points to a more systemic administrative breakdown and a developing trend that jeopardizes the trustworthiness of tribal identity and the fairness of the reservation system in Meghalaya,” declared CoMSO in a recent statement.
Social activist Cherian G. Momin had previously alerted senior state authorities to this issue. In response to a Right to Information (RTI) request, the Deputy Commissioner’s office in the East Khasi Hills District stated that “no official record of the ST certificate issued to Esther Ngurlienmoi Marak could be found,” thereby raising serious questions about the transparency of the certification process.
In response to these concerns, CoMSO has put forth five key demands. These include the immediate suspension of Marak’s appointment, the formation of an impartial inquiry committee to investigate the matter, a thorough verification of the contested tribal certificate, the holding of responsible officials to account, and a comprehensive state-wide audit of all tribal certificates issued over the last ten years.
The organisation has cautioned that “if the Government of Meghalaya fails to take appropriate action within a reasonable timeframe,” they will reserve the right to seek constitutional remedies, which may include initiating legal proceedings and organizing peaceful demonstrations.
Read More: Laitumkhrah Cathedral to Hold Requiem Mass for Late Pope Francis