Tura, May 18: BJP leader and Tura MDC Bernard N. Marak on Sunday questioned the Meghalaya government over the bail granted to former MLA S.G. Esmatur Mominin and NPP leader Sofior Rehman, while several Garo leaders arrested during the recent unrest in Garo Hills continue to remain in custody.
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| BJP leader and Tura MDC Bernard N. Marak. (File Photo) |
Marak also raised suspicion over what he described as a possible “nexus” involving Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Mominin and Rehman after both leaders secured bail within days of each other.
“Is there nexus between CM and Mominin? Is it possible that Mominin and Rehman were not charge-sheeted because Mominin contacted the CM before coming to Tura?” Marak questioned in a statement.
The BJP leader said the release of the two leaders, while Garo leaders remained behind bars, has raised concerns about impartiality in the handling of the cases by the state government.
“The detention of Garo leaders alongside the release of Muslim leaders raises concerns about impartiality by the state government,” Marak stated. He alleged that while Garo leaders were arrested for defending tribal rights, leaders accused of contributing to communal tensions had received relief.
Marak further alleged that communal tensions were fuelled through social media and with the involvement of outsiders. He claimed that Mominin had earlier stated he spoke to the Chief Minister before arriving in Tura, while Rehman is associated with the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).
“The Muslim leaders have allegedly incited communal tensions through social media and with the help of outsiders. Mominin also claimed that he talked to the CM before coming to Tura, and Rehman is in the NPP. Is there a nexus?” he said.
Calling for equal treatment under the law, Marak said the same leniency shown to Mominin and Rehman should also be extended to the arrested Garo leaders.
“The police must not be swayed by personal biases or external pressures. Equal treatment under the law is paramount,” he added.
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Marak also demanded an inquiry by the Home Department into what he termed “differential treatment” in the handling of the cases to restore public confidence in the justice system.
He further stated that some MDCs who later joined the NPP Executive Committee had publicly shown solidarity with the arrested leaders and should also face equal legal scrutiny.
