By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 30: The Nangrimingin A•chik Dol (NAD) has expressed serious concern over the escalating tensions in the Garo Hills, alleging repeated provocations, illegal infiltration, and injustice towards indigenous communities.
The organisation has placed a series of key demands before the government to address the growing unrest, including probe and necessary action against illegal infiltration, probe into the reported recovery of ammunition and camouflage items from a mosque premises in Williamnagar, strong action against illegal settlers occupying tribal land, and enhanced border security measures to curb infiltration.
NAD spokesperson Francis Marak extended gratitude to various communities and organisations, including the Hynniewtrep Youth Council and Jaintia Youth Council, for supporting their recent democratic protests. However, he noted that the lack of cooperation from certain sections has strained communal harmony, particularly between the Garos and Muslims.
Marak questioned reports regarding the recovery of live ammunition and camouflage items from a mosque compound in Williamnagar during the recent unrest. While the police attributed the materials to security personnel, the NAD has called for a transparent and impartial probe to establish the facts.
He maintained that the protests against illegal immigration and issues related to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) were largely peaceful. However, Marak alleged that repeated provocations by suspected illegal immigrants had fuelled public anger and contributed to the outbreak of unrest.
Welcoming the government’s decision to make ST certificates mandatory for elections, Marak emphasised that the provision must clearly prioritise and safeguard the rights of the Garo people. He pointed out that the ST category includes multiple groups across the country.
The organisation also voiced concern over the alleged arrest and harassment of NGO leaders, asserting that individuals advocating for indigenous rights should not be targeted.
Clarifying the movement’s position, Marak stated that it is not directed against any religious community but specifically against illegal infiltration, which the NAD claims has significantly altered the demographic pattern in several areas of the Garo Hills.
Reaffirming that the people of Garo Hills have historically upheld peace and harmony, the NAD cautioned that continued provocation and governmental inaction could further deepen the unrest. The organisation urged both the state and central governments to act decisively to deliver justice while safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities.
