Shillong. March 19: Atleast two pressure groups on Thursday demanded the release of their arrested members in connection with the violent incidents in Garo Hills.
NANGRIMGIMIN A’CHIK DOL (NAD), in a statement, wanted the immediate release of Balkarin Ch. Marak, Acting Chairman of the Garoland Statehood Movement Committee and Vice President of NAD, Johnny A. Marak, one of the leaders from the A’CHIK organisation and other NGO leaders who were arrested in connection with the recent protests.
“These leaders and public did not come forward for any personal gain. They stood for the rights and interests of the indigenous people of Garo Hills”, the NGO said.
In a separate statement, the Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC) condemned the arrest of Balkarin and Johnny.
“We firmly state that their arrest is unjustified and contrary to the constitutional rights guaranteed under various provisions of the Constitution of India. The protest organized by GSMC and allied organizations was conducted democratically and within the framework of law, demanding that the Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate be made mandatory for candidates filing nominations for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections. It is our firm stand that individuals who do not possess valid ST certificates should not be permitted to file nominations or participate in the polls.
