War of words between Bernard, NGOs continues

TURA: War of words between former ANVC (B) Chairman Bernard (Rimpu) N Marak and the pressure groups involved in the attack on his pharmacy continues with the A’chik Youth Welfare Organisation (AYWO) terming the “allegations” as baseless and desperate.
“Rimpu, who is a self-proclaimed ‘saviour of the weak’ is going through serious mental trauma as we had exposed his protection racket to make ‘easy money’ by pretending to side with GLR Pharmaceuticals as well as trying to prove his mettle among the non-tribal business fraternity in Tura,” said the general secretary of the organisation, Sengbath Chambugong Marak.
On Rimpu’s allegation that AYWO has political backing, it said it would never be influenced by an individual or a party and reiterated that it would always rise against injustice, be it against someone who is a terrorist or former terrorist.
“We want to inform Rimpu that AYWO at present has 13 constituent regional branches all over Garo Hills and has more than 50 active primary members in the central governing body and more than 20 associate members who will be promoted as active members in days to come,” it said.
The organisation alleged that Marak disrespected, undermined and demeaned the sacred culture of the Garos by claiming himself to be the town Nokma by manipulating Danakgre A’king Nokma, Enilla Ch Marak.
“He knows well that by occupying the position of Town Nokma illegally, he could have charged exorbitant fees merely for issuance of Nokma documents and all the necessary activities being carried out by Nokma under her A’kingland. This point can be assumed from the fact that he even opened an office in Tura and illegally asked patta holders to renew (documents) by paying hefty fees,” it said.
AYWO criticised Marak for allegedly ‘clogging legal proceedings’ at one time by trying to petition against the law of the land for which he was imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh.