HILLONG: The ANVC (B) has sought the intervention of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) into the ongoing turmoil in Garo Hills relating to the torture of 12 girls, the custodial death of Balsan S Marak and the controversy over the proposed designated camps for members of the outfit.
In a memorandum submitted to the MHA Joint Secretary in charge North East Sambhu Singh, ANVC-B chairman Rimpu Marak sought the intervention of the Home Ministry saying that West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police has manipulated the truth besides implicating, defaming, torturing and harassing several people in the name of law.
According to the outfit’s chief, Balsan S Marak is another victim who felt prey to the police high handedness as he was severely assaulted by SOTs operating under the district police chief Mukesh Kr Singh outside the main thana before he was taken in for recording of his statement.
Rimpu asserted that one of the SOTs was identified as Govind Newar, the SP’s personal guard. The SOTs were in civil dress and anyone would have mistaken them for militants, he said, adding, “Balsan’s arm was broken on the spot and he suffered internal injuries on the day he was implicated.”
The memorandum stated that Mukesh Kr Singh has booked many innocent people under unbailable sections on apprehension that they were a potential threat. Police did not act upon the counter FIR against trespassing and mishandling which was filed by Jaynie Sangma, one of the arrested activists. That FIR included names of some ANVCs.
Rimpu also accused the SP of manipulating the witnesses and implicated many innocent people, including his own sister who witnessed the ANVC cadres and SOTs (Special Operation Team) gathering near her residence at Burny Hills before they barged into Jaynie Sangma’s house.
Rimpu also claimed that the case has been manipulated at different stages and would remain one sided if police do not arrest the people mentioned in the counter FIR which will ultimately reveal who actually tortured the girls after they were brought out from Jaynie’s house.
Rimpu said in the letter, “We therefore, urge you to intervene taking up this matter seriously for peace in Garo hills giving us a home to live and rehabilitation packages to survive.” He added, “I beg you to kindly intervene, delivering action and justice for the interest of Garo people.”
Rimpu also informed that the Garos are not aggressive by nature but circumstances, such as these have turned them into one. He said, “We would not want our youths to turn into rebels due to lack of good governance and lawlessness.”