Tura, April 11: A war of words have erupted between a founder member and the pressure group organization ACHIK, which has been spearheading its opposition to non-tribals in the Garo Hills region, with allegations of extortion and coercion allegedly perpetrated by the group on the community.
A former Founder and Vice President of ACHIK, Grenath M Sangma, has issued a strong rebuttal against what he describes as a “false and malicious” FIR filed against him by the organisation at Shallang Police Station on April 9, 2026.
In a statement released to the press, Sangma questioned the decision to lodge the complaint in West Khasi Hills instead of Tura, where both parties are based, calling it a “calculated attempt to misuse the legal system for harassment.”
Sangma, who recently resigned from ACHIK, alleged that the organisation has deviated from its core values and is now engaging in activities that incite communal tension. He further claimed that internal disagreements and the exit of other founding members have left Pangseng R. Marak as the sole remaining founder.
Making serious allegations, Sangma accused certain members of the organisation of demanding ₹15 lakh from local quarry owners. He claimed that the issue surrounding recent incidents in the Garo Hills has been misrepresented as ethnic conflict, while the underlying cause was financial dealings involving members of the group. He, however, did not disclose his sources, citing safety concerns.
Referring to a recent incident that reportedly led to loss of lives, Sangma alleged that ACHIK members had visited the site voluntarily to collect money, thereby endangering innocent people. He described these actions as “self-serving” and detrimental to the welfare of the community.
Addressing a viral video controversy, Sangma stated that he had intervened with police authorities to prevent further arrests following the detention of 28 individuals. He alleged that a private conversation regarding the matter was recorded and leaked without his consent by an individual identified as Jaynie, leading to misinterpretation of his intentions.
Sangma further termed the FIR against him as a “counter-blast” to an earlier complaint he filed at Tura Police Station on March 24, 2026, against Jaynie Ningring N. Sangma. In that complaint, he accused her of circulating a private conversation, making false allegations, and spreading unverified claims related to past incidents.
He also criticised ACHIK’s response to recent cases, alleging selective activism and questioning the organisation’s silence in certain incidents involving members of the community.
Warning of legal action, Sangma stated that if the alleged harassment continues, he would file a counter-FIR seeking a thorough investigation into both the recent deaths and the financial dealings of the organisation.
He concluded by urging authorities to take immediate action against ACHIK leaders, accusing them of misleading the public and undermining the interests of the Garo community.
No official response from ACHIK was available at the time of filing this report.
