Nongpoh/Shillong, Apr 13: After being in hiding for around a month, former Phulbari MLA Esmatur Mominin surrendered before Ri-Bhoi police at Nongpoh Police Station today.
Mominin was at the forefront of the argument to allow non-tribals to continue to stand in elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC). His attempt to file his nomination for the election (since postponed) led to days of communal violence in Garo Hills and, subsequently, the barring of non-tribals to stand in the polls.
Two people lost their lives and several properties were torched or damaged in the turbulent days.
After violence broke out on March 9 (the day he tried to file his nomination), Mominin allegedly delivered an inflammatory speech at Chibinang the same day, further aggravating the situation and leading to widespread chaos in parts of Garo Hills.
Several FIRs were registered against him over these comments.
Meanwhile, officials from the Ri-Bhoi Police have refrained from making detailed comments on the surrender, stating that the investigation is currently underway. However, it was learnt that Momining is on transit remand and will be produced in court in Tura. Police will seek judicial custody of the accused given the sensitive law and order situation in Garo Hills.
