Tura, March 10: Amid rising tensions surrounding the upcoming elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), a formal First Information Report (FIR) has been filed in West Garo Hills alleging communal threats, provocative statements, and activities capable of disturbing public peace and communal harmony in the region.
The complaint was lodged by social activist Cherian Momin, who urged law enforcement authorities to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into a series of incidents and statements that have allegedly heightened communal sensitivities across parts of the district.
According to the FIR submitted to the police in Tura, the complaint calls for an investigation into the alleged role of Shri Sofior Rehman, former Member of the District Council (MDC); Shri Esmatur Mominin, former Member of the Legislative Assembly and former MDC; Emanul Hoque; and the ZI Media Network Facebook page.
The complainant has alleged that certain public statements, social media posts, and activities linked to these individuals and platforms may have contributed to escalating tensions and spreading fear among communities.
The developments come at a particularly sensitive time as political activities intensify ahead of the GHADC elections, which are scheduled to take place in April. The district council elections have already generated considerable debate across the Garo Hills region due to recent administrative measures concerning candidate eligibility.
On February 17, the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council issued a notification stating that all candidates contesting the elections must produce a valid Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate.
The requirement followed demands from several civil society groups and community organisations who argued that participation in the district council elections should be restricted to tribal candidates in accordance with the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, under which autonomous district councils function to safeguard the political and cultural rights of tribal communities.
Tensions reportedly escalated on March 9, when former Phulbari MLA SG Esmatur Mominin arrived at the office of the Deputy Commissioner in Tura to submit his nomination papers. Reports indicate that the event drew significant attention and triggered confrontation near the administrative premises, leading to a tense atmosphere in the area.
In the complaint, the activist also highlighted the circulation of a controversial social media comment allegedly posted by an individual identified as Parvez Masud. The comment reportedly contained a threatening statement directed at members of the Garo community and suggested the possibility of violence. The FIR states that such remarks, if verified, are capable of provoking communal hostility and creating panic among residents.
The complaint further asserts that certain online platforms have amplified the issue through posts and commentary that could potentially inflame public sentiment and deepen divisions among communities.
The complainant has urged the authorities to examine the authenticity of the statements, review digital evidence, and determine whether any offences under laws relating to criminal intimidation, incitement, or promotion of enmity between communities have been committed.
