Party demands immediate arrest of ex-MLA Mominin
Our Bureau
TURA, March 31: The Congress party has sought elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) within two months, while raising concerns over the delay in arresting former MLA, S.G. Esmatur Miminin, who the party described as a key accused in the recent unrest in Garo Hills.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, party spokesperson Ferlin C.A. Sangma stated that the six-month extension of the GHADC’s term was necessitated by the prevailing law-and-order situation, particularly amid opposition from various organisations against the participation of non-tribal people in the District Council elections.
She said the party had no objection to the extension, as it was intended to restore normalcy and address public demands, including making an ST certificate mandatory for candidates.
Sangma asserted that there was no justification for prolonging the extension period further. According to her, the process for amending the District Council Rules has already been initiated by the newly constituted Executive Committee (EC), and any remaining omissions in the amended provisions should be rectified without delay.
Following an in-depth review, the party demanded that GHADC elections be held within two months. Sangma alleged that the authorities’ move to seek additional time under the pretext of correcting loopholes, despite failing to address key issues over the past five years, amounted to “stealing time.”
The party also stressed the need for a thorough review and amendment of Section 8(C) and Section 128 of the Assam and Meghalaya Autonomous District Councils Rules, 1951, to safeguard the interests of the indigenous Garo people.
Sangma pointed out that while Section 8(C) remains unchanged, the addition of a new sub-section ‘D’ appears ambiguous and incomplete. She further suggested that Section 128 should be removed altogether, if possible.
Reiterating its stand, Congress demanded immediate modifications to the amended rules and the timely conduct of elections.
The party also expressed concern over the failure to arrest former Phulbari MLA, S.G. Esmatur Mominin, alleged to be the main accused in the recent unrest in Tura and other parts of Garo Hills. While several organisation leaders and youths have reportedly been detained, Mominin remains at large.
Speaking on the issue, John Leslee K. Sangma questioned the delay, stating that the Meghalaya Police have demonstrated competence in solving complex cases in the past. He said the inability to apprehend the main accused raises serious concerns among the public.
He referred to Mominin’s statements on March 9, when he reportedly claimed his right to contest the GHADC elections under the Constitution of India and alleged that he was encouraged by senior political leaders. Despite an FIR reportedly being filed against him, no official statement has been issued by the Chief Minister or Deputy Chief Minister even after 20 days, he noted.
The Congress alleged that Mominin played a central role in inciting unrest in the region and asked why he has not yet been arrested, while others were being detained.
Demanding accountability, the party called for a CBI inquiry into the matter and sought immediate seizure of Mominin’s phone for investigation. It also warned that if the accused is not arrested within the week, the party would be compelled to take further action.
