Shillong, March 21 : Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma has submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Meghalaya, C.H. Vijayashankar, raising serious concerns over the recent law and order situation in Garo Hills ahead of the GHADC elections. The memorandum, submitted at Lok Bhavan, highlights the escalation of tensions in the region following disputes over non-tribal participation in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
Dr. Sangma outlined key factors that led to the current situation, including demands by civil society groups to bar non-tribals from contesting GHADC elections, notifications issued by the council authorities, and developments surrounding the upcoming elections. He also pointed to certain public gatherings that reportedly contributed to heightened tensions.
According to the memorandum, the situation escalated into violence, resulting in the loss of two lives and creating a tense atmosphere across the Garo Hills region. The opposition leader expressed concern over what he described as a growing perception of indiscriminate arrests by law enforcement agencies without proper verification.
He warned that such actions could lead to miscarriage of justice, further unrest, and the risk of implicating innocent individuals while the actual culprits remain unidentified. Dr. Sangma stressed the need for due process, urging authorities to ensure that arrests are based on proper investigation and evidence, while safeguarding citizens’ rights.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the memorandum recommended the constitution of an independent Commission of Inquiry. The proposed inquiry would examine the circumstances leading to the unrest, investigate the causes of violence and loss of lives, identify those responsible, and fix accountability for any lapses or negligence by authorities.
While noting that the situation has begun returning to normal due to intervention by community leaders and citizens, Dr. Sangma emphasized the need for continued dialogue and engagement among stakeholders. He urged the government to take balanced and immediate steps to restore public confidence, ensure justice, and prevent further escalation.
The memorandum concludes with a call for sustained peace, protection of innocent citizens, and transparent governance to address the concerns of the people in the Garo Hills region.
