From Our Correspondent
TURA, Oct 22: The All Meghalaya Minorities Students’ Union (AMMSU) has expressed deep concern and regret over the recent incidents surrounding the demolition of an illegally constructed shop at Rajabala market and the ensuing social media controversy, which has led to misunderstanding and tension among communities in the otherwise peaceful region of Rajabala and its adjoining areas.
The union clarified that the issue was purely an administrative and legal matter involving the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), the Rajabala Bazaar Committee and certain individuals allegedly involved in unauthorised construction on a portion of GHADC land.
“The central question that now arises is how a portion of market land belonging to the GHADC has been occupied and used for constructing commercial rooms, which clearly needs a proper investigation and accordingly lawful action must be taken by the GHADC and relevant authorities. It must be emphasised that the first report and the whistleblower of this illegal construction was not made by any outsider, but by a local resident from the Muslim community itself, who responsibly recorded and shared a video to alert the public and authorities. Only after this video came to light that the GHADC acted, leading to the Chief Executive Member (CEM) and Deputy CEM accompanied by a few NGO members to inspect the site and dismantle the illegal under-construction structure,” the union stated.
“However, the video of the demolition that later surfaced online gave rise to confusion and controversy. It is therefore important to clarify that the general residents of Rajabala had no role, participation, or prior knowledge of the demolition drive. Unfortunately, some individuals and groups have since attempted to politicize and communalize what was essentially a local administrative matter, thereby disturbing the peace and unity of the area,” it added.
The union, along with the general public from the plain belt region, also strongly condemned the offensive, communal and derogatory remarks made on social media by one Facebook user, Aminul Islam, who posted an objectionable video targeting the GSU and the A.chik community. The union said his irresponsible and divisive remarks were deeply hurtful and completely unacceptable.
“The AMMSU and the general public of the Rajabala area disassociate entirely from his actions and words, which go against the spirit of unity and respect we uphold. We urge the authorities to take appropriate legal action in accordance with the law. At the same time, we appeal to everyone not to generalize or target the entire community for the acts of one individual. The Muslim community of the Rajabala area has always stood shoulder to shoulder with our Garo and other indigenous communities in peace, cooperation, and shared progress. We have lived together for generations and will continue to maintain and strengthen this bond,” it resolved, while urging all citizens, community leaders, NGOs and social media users to act with restraint, dignity and responsibility.
GSU calls for legal action
Meanwhile, the Garo Students’ Union (GSU) from Phulbari in West Garo Hills has sought action against Aminul Islam for allegedly making derogatory remarks against civil society organisations (CSOs) from Garo Hills.
Islam had reportedly posted offensive and misleading statements against the GSU and other organisations on Facebook on October 20. Following this, the union lodged a complaint with the Officer-in-Charge of Phulbari Police Station on October 21.
“These remarks were intentionally aimed at misrepresenting the role and integrity of the GSU as well as other organisations. Such false and insulting information has caused distress and reputational damage to the union, as well as created unnecessary tension among community members,” the union stated in its complaint.
