Tura, Sep 18 : Three members of the A’chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM) who have allegedly been terrorizing the residents of Chitukona village, North Garo Hills have made counter-accusations against a social activist who came forward to help the villagers.
The activist, Nilbath Ch Marak, was accused by the AHAM members, who are reportedly former rebels and residents of the village, of holding meetings during the pandemic, for demanding money from the villagers and claiming to be from the CBI.
The villagers came forward to deny all the charges made against Marak.
Marak helped the villagers file a complaint about the trio’s usurpation of authority in the village with police after the Inspector in charge of the Dainadubi outpost asked the residents to strike a compromise with the AHAM members.
The three self-styled members of AHAM – Skybirth Momin, Megolash Sangma and Bresajal Sangma – have allegedly seized the village committee constitutions, resolutions and other documents, the village committee seal and have deposed the sitting Sordar, Helling Momin, and replaced him with Megolash Sangma.
“They forcefully named Megolash Sangma as the new Sordar and he started exercising the powers of VEC (Village Employment Council) Secretary as well. Skybirth Momin declared himself the President without any election,” the villagers alleged in their complaint. They also claimed that the trio had been selling minerals, including sand and stones, from the local stream without the consent of the Nokma while also extorting money from the villagers.
The police had initiated an inquiry into the matter, including into the Inspector who had allegedly asked the villagers to compromise with the AHAM members. Speaking today, district Superintendent of Police Abraham T Sangma said that investigations are still ongoing and that the FIR filed by the trio has been registered along with the one by the villagers which Marak helped them with.
He also said that the villagers’ statement in support of Marak was received by him this evening.
“The AHAM members have stated that they have been given permission by the GHADC (Garo Hills Autonomous District Council) for the collection of sand and stones, which is being verified,” the SP said. The trio also claimed “that they have been elected by the villagers themselves to the roles they currently occupy in Chitukona. We will look into all aspects of the case and act accordingly,” he added.
