By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 14: A false news was circulated on Friday by a social media page called The Garo Hills Times stating that the disbanded Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) has claimed responsibility for “assassinating” Cabinet Minister Marcuise N Marak, prompting him to file an FIR immediately. One person has been picked up in connection with the case.
“I am writing to formally lodge an FIR against the social media page The Garo Hills Times. On February 13, 2025, this page circulated a post falsely claiming that I have been assassinated and that the GNLA has taken full responsibility for the action,” he stated in the FIR filed at Williamnagar, East Garo Hills.
“The circulation of such information posts is a serious attempt to spread panic, incite unrest and also poses a grave threat to public order and security. It is a direct attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary fear,” he said.
“I request an immediate and thorough investigation into this matter and appropriate legal action against those responsible for spreading this misinformation. Such false reporting must be dealt with strictly to prevent further attempts at public deception,” he added.
He urged the police to take steps to identify the individuals behind this page and hold them accountable under the law.
The social media post by The Garo Hills Times as enclosed by the Minister in the FIR reads: “The GNLA has taken responsibility for the assassination of Williamnagar MLA and former Cabinet Minister Marcuise N Marak in Garo Hills.
“Marak, who had been heavily involved in anti-insurgent operations supported by the government, was likely targeted by the GNLA due to his efforts.
“In a social media post, the GNLA confirmed their involvement in the killing, citing Marak’s active role in countering militancy through various government initiatives as the motivation for their attack. They specifically referenced his efforts in implementing government schemes and conducting district-level exams, which they saw as a threat to their insurgent activities. The group emphasised that these actions directly led to his targeting.
“Furthermore, the GNLA issued a warning to government officials, threatening further attacks unless the state halts its anti-militancy operations, framing the killing as part of their broader resistance against government forces and policies.”