Effigies of CM, GHADC CEM torched over failed parleys

TURA, Feb 22: Continuing their tirade against Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) CEM, Rakesh A Sangma, pressure groups in Garo Hills burnt effigies of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, the CEM and Deputy CEM Nikman Ch Marak at Hawakhana in Tura on Tuesday.
The pressure groups had met MLAs representing the state government along with GHADC MDCs in Tura on Monday to seek a solution on the issue but it was inconclusive. The groups walked out of the meeting after they felt the government would not act upon their demands and declared that their agitation would continue.
“We know for sure that Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had interfered in the removal of the former CEM Benedic Marak. We also know for sure that he was the one behind the elevation of Rakesh Sangma to the post of CEM. Now all of a sudden he comes up with a statement where he claims that he will not get involved into this as it is the GHADC. This is very convenient,” said GSU president Tengsak Momin.
Tengsak further added that Rakesh Sangma could also just as easily step down and break the impasse.
The protestors, while torching the effigies, also shouted slogans of “GHADC is for A’chiks” and “Remove Rakesh or we won’t stop”.
There were reports of effigies being torched in South Garo Hills. While the effigies of the CM, the CEM and local MDC Nathawal S Marak were burnt at Baghmara, Deputy CEM Nikman Ch Marak’s effigy was torched at Chokpot.
The protests have left the GHADC offices completely shut with no work being carried out since the past week. The NGOs have demanded the removal of the CEM over the claim that he has not lived the Garo way of life and as such could not properly protect the customs and traditions of the tribe.