TURA/SHILLONG, March 16: Former MDC from Balachanda constituency, Sofiur Rehman, was arrested shortly after midnight on Monday from his home in New Bhaitbari village under Rajabala Police Station.
Rehman was arrested for his alleged role in inciting communal disharmony which led to three days of unforeseen violence, loot and arson in Garo Hills and left two persons dead.
Confirming the arrest, West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma stated that the arrest was made based on the various social media posts made by Rehman which were widely shared and led to incitement and went a long way in the events that unfolded in the Garo Hills region between March 9 and 11.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Monday informed that 27 persons have been arrested in connection with the recent breakdown of law and order in Garo Hills, particularly in West Garo Hills.
Refusing to comment much on the future course of action, he said that the police are going ahead with the investigation and they are likely to make more arrests to ensure that such incidents don’t recur in Garo Hills or elsewhere in the state.
Asked if former Phulbari MLA S.G. Esmatur Momin would be arrested, Tynsong said that the matter is being looked after by the police.
He also added that discussions are on to see how quickly curfew can be fully lifted.
