TURA: Organizations from Garo Hills, the GSU, FKJGP, AYWO and ADE have given one more week’s time to GHADC authorities to remove non-tribal MDC, Sofior Rahman from the post of Chairman of the Forest Advisory Board.
Earlier on Friday last week, the organizations had gheraoed the GHADC demanding the removal of Rahman from the post. A meeting later took place on the same day between leaders of the organizations and Chief Executive Member (CEM), Dipul Marak where they demanded besides removal of the MDC from the post, cancellation of TNT license given to the proprietor of GLR pharmaceuticals and removal of Boldamgre Nokma for allegedly selling tribal land to outsiders, within one week.
Although the deadline given by the organizations is yet to get over, the organizations on Wednesday again met the CEM and gave another week’s time until Wednesday next week to fulfill their demands.
The organizations feel that while Rahman can remain an MDC in the council in the absence of any laws barring non-tribals, they are strongly against him holding the posts and want him stripped.
Earlier in the morning, there was apprehension among the employees that something was bound to happen as a large group of people had gathered at the GHADC office premises even before the arrival of the organizations. However, it turned out to be peaceful and nothing untoward happened as organization leaders left soon after submitting the extension of the deadline.
Meanwhile, internet service was once again shut down for 24 hours from 3 pm on Wednesday in the entire five districts of Garo Hills soon after the meeting of the organizations with GHADC authorities.
Both the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police when contacted said that the shutdown may be due to overall security concerns as rumor mongers have been found to be spreading fake messages and posts in the social media over the last few weeks.
When asked if it could be due to the meeting between organization leaders and GHADC authorities, district police chief, Dr M G R Kumar said that it was unlikely but that the Home Department would be able to clear up the matter.
“I cannot comment on the matter as we were not informed and the order came directly from the Home Department,” he said.