Singpho Chiefs Demand Recognition and Honorariums in Margherita

Guwahati: Singpho tribal chiefs Bisa Gam Singpho and Seng Gam Singpho met Margherita Co-District Commissioner K N Chandana Jahnavi on October 23. They brought paperwork to secure state recognition for their traditional leadership roles and request an honorarium. The chiefs arrived alongside Kharong Singpho, president of the Singpho Tribal Development Society, and general secretary Probin Wakhet.

The group represents the Tirap Tribal Belt. They handed over a stack of documents mapping their lineage and history. These papers detail how their ancestors helped govern and develop the region. The delegation provided records and photos of medals from 1954-55 given to late chiefs Bisa Lat Nong Singpho and Kotha Gam Singpho by the Governor of Assam. They also submitted certificates from community elders to verify their status.

The chiefs descend from Bisa Bom Singpho and Bisa Ladoi Singpho. Both were known as warriors and freedom fighters. Bhogeswar Singpho, a retired Assam government secretary, led the effort. He prepared a concept paper for the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes in New Delhi. This meeting serves as a push to get official records updated. According to the representation, the move is part of efforts to "place documentary evidence of the traditional chiefs' lineage, customary status and historical contributions before the authorities."