TURA, Mar 20: The Meghalaya Indigenous Minority Tribals’ Forum (MIMTF) along with the Regional Council Demand Committee (RCDC) has sought the immediate release of leaders of pressure groups, who were arrested by police in connection with the recent violence in Garo Hills.
The two local bodies sought the release of the leaders in its joint appeal addressed to Chief minister Conrad Sangma on Friday.
“The MIMTF and RCDC believe that the release of these leaders is essential for maintaining peace and stability across the districts. We urge the Chief Minister to adopt a path of diplomacy rather than detention,” they stated.
The two groups, while seeking the release of the arrested leaders urged the state government to invite agitated NGO leaders to the discussion table to address their demands and seek a permanent solution towards the issue.
“A formal dialogue is the only way to reach a lasting resolution to the ongoing issues in the Garo Hills. It is the appropriate time for the government to engage with the NGOs through discussion rather than arrests. We seek a permanent solution that serves the best interests of our tribal communities,” Anubhaav Hajong, the convenor of the MIMTF said.
Meanwhile, social activists in Garo Hills have also sought the unconditional release of the apprehended leaders (including GSMC leader Balkarin Marak) in their appeal to the Meghalaya DGP in Shillong.
According to the joint appeal, the arrested leaders had no role to play directly or indirectly in the violence that took place in Tura, Williamnagar or Chibinang, but were merely raising their voices against the participation of non-tribals in the GHADC elections. The activist claimed that it was unknown miscreants who took advantage of the situation and created law and order problems.
