New Delhi, Mar, 13: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Member of Parliament Ravi Shankar Prasad on Friday expressed concern over the recent violence and tense situation in the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya, stating that the party stands firmly to protect the constitutional rights of the tribal communities in the area.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP’s central office in New Delhi, Prasad said the primary reason behind the prevailing tension is the alleged illegal infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals into the local tribal society and attempts by such individuals to contest elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council. He asserted that the BJP strongly opposes any such “illegal and unconstitutional attempts” and would take all necessary steps to safeguard the interests of the tribal population.
Prasad stated that the situation in the Garo Hills region has recently turned tense following protests and incidents of violence linked to the issue. He said that the GHADC is a constitutionally recognised autonomous body and, as per the provisions of the Indian Constitution, administrative authority in the council is reserved for members belonging to recognised tribal communities who possess valid certification to contest elections.
Citing what he described as a pattern seen in states like West Bengal and Jharkhand, the BJP MP alleged that infiltrators have adopted new methods to gain political entry by marrying local tribal women and later obtaining fraudulent certificates to contest elections.
Referring to the recent controversy surrounding Esmatur Mominin, who is currently associated with the All India Trinamool Congress, Prasad said that despite a resolution passed by the GHADC, a nomination was reportedly filed on March 9 at the office of the Deputy Commissioner to contest the council elections. He said local tribal communities objected to the candidature, claiming that Mominin does not belong to a tribal community. The situation subsequently escalated, and violence broke out in which two people lost their lives.
Prasad further said that the demographic balance in Garo Hills is being affected by the increasing presence of infiltrators, which could impact the land rights, political representation and other constitutional protections available to tribal communities.
He noted that the region is historically sensitive and added that elections and examinations in the area have been postponed due to the prevailing situation. The BJP, he said, strongly condemns any attempt to undermine the constitutional rights of the local tribal population.
The BJP leader also stated that after the formation of the BJP government in Assam, strict action has been taken against infiltrators, and other NDA-ruled states, including Meghalaya, have also adopted measures to address the issue.
Prasad reiterated that the BJP stands firmly with the tribal communities of Garo Hills and will oppose any attempt to deprive them of their rights. He said the matter is serious and deserves national attention, adding that the party will continue to raise its voice against illegal infiltration and attempts to contest elections to autonomous councils through fraudulent means.
