Tura, October 1, 2026: The A·Chik State Peoples Front (ASPF) has submitted a complaint to the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills and the Secretary of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), seeking an immediate ban and seizure of “Momin Biri” being traded in the Garo Hills.
The organisation has sought cancellation of GHADC Trading Licence No. 34476, issued to wholesale dealer Alom Hussain of Sakmal, Rajabala, alleging that the licence is being used for the wholesale distribution of Momin Biri manufactured by Amit Karmakar of Arpan Biri Factory, Murshidabad, West Bengal.
According to the complaint, two parties have claimed rights over the same “Momin Biri” brand. ASPF stated that Amit Karmakar filed Trade Mark Application No. 5511063 on June 30, 2022, while Ashikul Momin Khandakar filed Application No. 5448780 on May 14, 2022. The organisation said both applications are marked “OPPOSED”, and argued that the dispute over ownership remains unresolved.
ASPF has also raised objections to the use of the name “Momin”, which it describes as a Garo clan name, alleging that its use by a non-tribal manufacturer for commercial purposes could mislead consumers and exploit tribal identity.
The complaint further refers to the Garo Hills District (Trading by Non-Tribals) Regulation, 1957, under which GHADC regulates trading activities by non-tribals in the district. GHADC’s official website lists the regulation among its governing laws and regulations.
Child photograph and tobacco-control allegations:
One of the major issues raised by ASPF concerns an alleged photograph of a minor child appearing on the Momin Biri packet. The organisation has alleged that the use of the child’s photograph for tobacco-product promotion raises concerns under child-protection and tobacco-control laws.
ASPF has requested that the alleged child-photo issue be referred separately to the District Child Protection Officer, West Garo Hills, and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) for examination and appropriate action.
The organisation has also alleged deficiencies in the product packaging, including the absence of required pictorial health warnings, MRP and other mandatory declarations, as well as discrepancies involving registration and GST numbers. These allegations have been presented by ASPF in its complaint and would require verification by the competent authorities.
Demand for seizure and licence cancellation
In its prayer, ASPF has sought:
•Cancellation of Trading Licence No. 34476 issued to Alom Hussain.
•Seizure of Momin Biri stocks within West Garo Hills, subject to action under applicable laws.
•No fresh GHADC trading licence for Momin Biri, Marak Biri or other tobacco products using Garo clan names, pending appropriate examination.
•Action against the manufacturer and wholesale distributor if violations are established.
•Separate examination of the alleged child-photo issue by child-protection authorities.
•Appropriate action concerning the disputed trademark applications.
The complaint also refers to an earlier alleged attempt to market a product called “Marak Biri”, claiming that it was withdrawn following public opposition.
The matter now rests with the concerned authorities, who would have to verify the allegations, licensing records, product packaging and trademark status before determining whether any regulatory or legal action is warranted. The reported trademark dispute itself remains contested, with the two applications cited by ASPF listed as opposed.
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