NGTC objects to chief minister’s ‘migrant’ remark on Garos

The Nagaland Garo Tribal Council (NGTC) said on Nov 3 that remarks attributed to Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio describing the Garos as “migrants” have hurt the sentiments of the Garo community in Nagaland. The comment was reported in local dailies on Oct 31, 2026, prompting the council’s president Diganto Sangma and general secretary Cliff Sangma to issue a formal statement.

Historical presence of Garos in Dimapur

NGTC’s statement highlighted that the Garos have a deep historical connection to the Dimapur region, describing the community as an aboriginal group of the district. It pointed to Darogapathar village, established in 1811, as the oldest recognised Garo village in Nagaland and one of the oldest settlements in and around Dimapur. The council listed five Garo villages that exist today, all situated in Dimapur district: Darogapathar (1811), Eralibill (1910), Dubagaon (1910), Ekranipathar (1942) and Samaguri (1951). In addition to these villages, members of the community reside in Dimapur town, Padumpukhuri village, Chümoukedima district and Kohima district, even where they do not have separate permanent villages. The statement underscored that these settlements reflect a long-standing presence that predates the recent remarks.

Constitutional recognition

The council reminded that Garos are constitutionally recognised as a Scheduled Tribe in Nagaland under the Constitution (Nagaland) Scheduled Tribes Order, 1970. NGTC argued that such constitutional status, together with the community’s historical identity, should not be questioned through generalized statements. It emphasized that protecting the rights and identity of indigenous Naga communities must be balanced with respecting the history and legitimate rights of other tribal communities.

Call for sensitivity and fairness

NGTC urged the chief minister and other authorities to exercise sensitivity and fairness when making public statements concerning the history, identity and settlement of minority tribal communities. In its statement the council said, “The Garo community seeks dignity, historical recognition, equal treatment and justice. Our history deserves to be heard, not dismissed or neglected.” The appeal called for dignified treatment and equal recognition of the Garo community’s contributions to the region’s cultural fabric.

Coverage by Nagaland Post

Nagaland Post reported the NGTC’s objections and the details of the council’s statement, noting the emphasis on the community’s deep historical roots and its constitutional status. The outlet highlighted the council’s demand for respectful discourse and equal recognition of the Garos as an indigenous community of Dimapur district.