Shillong, March 30: Tura MDC Bernard Marak has blamed the Congress for the unrest in Garo Hills.
In response to the allegations of the Congress that many arrested youths, in connection with the incident, were from the BJP, Marak said, “The unrest in Garo Hills has stemmed from a Congress-affiliated, non-tribal aspirant who tried to file GHADC nomination papers despite public opposition. The entire issue sparks because of a Congress candidate, a non-tribal candidate, who forcefully came to file his nomination. His name is Esmatur Mominin, who was former MLA and MDC also…So who started the fire?” Marak told reporters after meeting the Governor on Monday.
Marak rejected claims that the arrested youths belonged to any party.
“I don’t think they are from any political party. This is a mass movement…certain youths have been seen through CCTVs, so that cannot be claimed that they belonged to certain political party.”
Regarding the need to release detainees, Marak said there is a general demand.
“The entire issue…rose because of the negligence of the political leaders who did not respond…if anybody has to be blamed, it is the delay.”
Marak said bonafide non-tribal residents — Hindu or Muslim — respect the provision of Sixth Scheduled and have not demanded to contest, but they have only voting rights.
“The bonafide citizens even the non-tribals be it from Hindu community or be it from Muslim community, the bonafide citizen respect the provision of Sixth Schedule. They never demanded to contest but yes, they have always expected that the voting right will be given to them because they are paying the taxes, they are cooperating with all the rules, which are framed by the district councils, so they only anticipate voting rights…,” but there are certain groups who want to be elected…which is not constitutionally permissible.”
