Tura, April 14: Combined groups from Dadenggre in West Garo Hills have alleged harassment of their leaders and procedural irregularities committed by authorities in connection with recent FIRs filed following the communal disturbances in the Garo Hills region.
In their complaint addressed to the SDO of the Sub Division, the groups, of who included AAYF, AYWO, GOERA, FKJGP, ADE, GSU and others expressed concern over what they described as targeted actions by local law enforcement authorities against community leaders who were allegedly involved in mediating and de-escalating tensions during the unrest.
According to the complaint, a CSO leader from Dadenggre was summoned to the Dadenggre Police Station on April 11 in connection with an FIR registered under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act (MMPO) relating to alleged damage to public property and disturbance of public order.
“The allegations appear to be based on hearsay rather than concrete evidence or credible eyewitness accounts. Targeting community leaders who were attempting to maintain peace could be counter-productive to restoring normalcy,” they stated.
The groups also termed the conduct of the medical examination on their members, who were not formally arrested as ‘irregular procedure’ while pointing out that medical examinations are generally conducted following a lawful arrest.
In their representation, the groups demanded an independent review of the FIRs filed against community leaders to ensure they are supported by credible evidence. They also called for an immediate halt to the alleged unnecessary harassment during investigations.
Additionally, the organizations have sought a dialogue with the Sub-Divisional Administration to rebuild trust and discuss measures to ensure long-term communal harmony in the region. They also urged the administration to initiate action against any law enforcement officials found to have misused their authority.
