Shillong, Mar 14: A second first information report has been filed against former Phulbari legislator Esmatur Mominin accusing him of orchestrating the communal violence that recently gripped the Garo Hills region.
The latest case has been filed by former MLA John Leslee K. Sangma.
Yesterday, social activist Greneth M Sangma filed a complaint with the Baghmara Police against Mominin for alleged inflammatory speech and incitement that led to the violence.
John Leslee in a complaint submitted to the Superintendent of Police in West Garo Hills today, alleged that Mominin deliberately provoked the tribal community and later instigated a mob that led to the destruction of property and the tragic loss of lives.
According to the complaint, the trouble began on March 9 when Mominin arrived in Tura to file his nomination for the upcoming MDC elections despite being aware of the intense opposition regarding non-tribal participation.
Sangma contended that Mominin’s decision to enter the “epicenter” of ongoing protests without police protection or prior information was a calculated move designed to incite a reaction from NGOs who were demanding the mandatory submission of Scheduled Tribe certificates for candidates.
The FIR further details that after being rescued and escorted back to Phulbari by police, Mominin allegedly held a meeting where he delivered inflammatory speeches to hundreds of supporters.
Sangma claims the former MLA misled the crowd by making false allegations regarding land rights and the “Right to Work,” portraying himself as a martyr for the non-tribal community.
This instigation is cited as the direct trigger for subsequent attacks on tribal villages, the torching of shops, and the burning of the GSU office, which forced many residents to flee their homes in fear.
Highlighting the severe humanitarian and economic toll, Sangma noted that the resulting communal clashes led to fatalities which led to authorities imposing curfew, stripping daily wage earners of their livelihoods.
The FIR urged the police to take immediate and stringent action against Mominin and three other unidentified individuals for his role in disturbing the peace and causing widespread suffering across both communities in the district.
Urging the government to immediately arrest Mominin the former MLA said that he is solely to be blamed for the suffering of both the communities.
“He instigated the Non – tribal community to such an extent by playing a victim card which led to loss of life and property and obstructed the means of livelihood of thousands of lives for the entire week,” he added.
Sangma praised the police department for showing restraint stating that their patient and professional attitude has saved the lives of many local youth.
