Tura, March 14: A First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged against former Phulbari MLA Esmatur Mominin and three unidentified individuals, alleging their involvement in instigating communal tension that led to violence and loss of property in parts of West Garo Hills.
The complaint was filed by John Leslee K. Sangma, a resident of Balading, Tura, before the Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills, on March 14, 2026. In the complaint, the petitioner alleged that the former MLA’s actions and statements contributed to the escalation of tensions between communities during the recent unrest in the district.
According to the complaint, Esmatur Mominin had reportedly arrived in Tura on March 9, 2026 to file his nomination for the upcoming GHADC elections despite widespread opposition and ongoing protests related to the participation of non-tribals in the elections.
The complainant alleged that Mominin came to Tura without informing the police or seeking security protection, despite being aware of the tense situation and ongoing agitation by certain organizations. The complaint further states that this move allegedly provoked protestors and contributed to a breakdown of law and order.
The FIR also claims that after being escorted safely back to Phulbari by the police, Mominin addressed a large gathering where he allegedly made statements portraying himself as a defender of non-tribal rights and accused authorities of undermining their rights.
The complainant alleged that these statements were misleading and led to further unrest, with reports that mobs later attacked tribal villages, set fire to shops, and damaged the office of the GSU, forcing several residents to flee their homes for safety.
The complaint states that the alleged instigation contributed to communal clashes in which lives were lost and several people were injured. It also noted that many families from both communities were displaced and forced to leave their homes amid the violence.
Additionally, the situation led the district administration to impose curfew for several days, disrupting daily life and affecting thousands of daily wage earners and traders whose livelihoods were impacted during the period of unrest.
The complainant has demanded that the government immediately arrest Esmatur Mominin, alleging that he is responsible for the suffering faced by both communities. According to the complaint, his actions allegedly instigated members of the non-tribal community by portraying himself as a victim, which ultimately resulted in loss of life, destruction of property, and disruption of livelihoods for thousands of people for nearly a week.
At the same time, the complainant expressed gratitude to the police department for their restraint, patience, and professional conduct, stating that their handling of the situation helped prevent further escalation and saved the lives of many local youths.
The complainant also stated that a video of the speech allegedly delivered by the former MLA has been submitted as evidence to support the allegations and requested the police to take appropriate legal action.
