TURA, Feb 15: Tension flared up at the GHADC on Tuesday, the first day of the office picketing by various Garo Hills groups after protesters spotted Jengjal MDC Grahambell A Sangma trying to leave the premises on his black Scorpio.
Immediately after the MDC was spotted, angry protesters surrounded the vehicle demanding that Sangma step out of the vehicle. Other protesters including women were heard pleading with fellow protesters not to harm the MDC and to let him go if he wants to leave. It was only after a tense few moments that Sangma was allowed to go on his way.
The protesting groups were angry that despite other staff staying away from their posts due to the office picketing, Sangma was seen attending office.
A separate incident on the same day which led to the escalation of the situation was the presence of Joint Secretary to the GHADC, PR Marak, on the premises. According to Council sources, Marak had been at the premises after a direction was given to all officers by the Secretary to be at their stations.
Soon after the protesters spotted Marak leaving the Council, the protesters shouted at the official thinking he had been there to work. Aditional Deputy Commissioner, Mary T Sangma, was at the scene trying to pacify the crowd by keeping herself between them and the official.
Tuesday’s picket is only the first day of the protest to demand the removal of newly elected CEM Rakesh A Sangma. The ongoing office picketing is to continue till Friday.
