Shillong, Mar 10: The Federation of Khasi Jaintia Garo People (FKJGP) has blamed former Phulbari MLA SG Esmatur Mominin of escalating tensions in the Garo Hills by attempting to file his nomination for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
FKJGP president Dundee Cliff Khongsit said his action violates the February 17 notification of the GHADC, which restricts candidates to those holding Scheduled Tribe certificates.
“If he (Mominin) had not gone to file the nomination, these things might not have happened. He is the one who tried to exploit the situation in the Garo Hills region, when everybody accepted the notification. He has gone against the sentiments of the people. People responsible for escalating tensions in the Garo Hills should be booked and dealt with by the law,” he said.
The FKJGP during a press conference also voiced strong support for the indigenous community in the Garo Hills and emphasised the importance of solidarity among the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo people during these crucial times. He cautions against complacency and said that the regional identity and political representation should remain in the hands of the indigenous people.
Khongsit said that any non-indigenous involvement in the local political scene could lead to detrimental outcomes. He stated, “We should not allow non-indigenous communities or individuals to come up in politics or get a chance to be representatives in the region.”
The FKJGP condemned the burning of the Garo Students’ Union (GSU) office in Chibinang.
Furthermore, the organisation referred to the appearance of a poster in Tura linked to a so-called militant group with connections to ISIS and said it is a serious security concern.
Khongsit stated, “Bangladeshi Muslims are growing in the Garo Hills” and added that indigenous tribes should unite to protect their collective interests.
