Mr Bernard Marak| File Photo
TURA : State BJP vice president and Tura MDC Bernard N. Marak has alleged that authorities in West Garo Hills have failed to act on a complaint filed over the alleged desecration of a statue of Lord Jesus during the violence reported in Chibinang earlier this year.
Addressing the matter on Saturday, Marak said he had submitted a complaint to the Superintendent of Police on April 14 seeking legal action in connection with the March 9 unrest, which reportedly involved arson, rioting and destruction of property.
According to Marak, the complaint also highlighted allegations that a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was vandalised and dragged through the streets during the violence.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Marak claimed that no FIR has been formally registered so far.
“The matter concerns religious sentiments and communal harmony. There cannot be selective silence when such incidents are reported,” he said.
The BJP leader further alleged that inflammatory speeches had contributed to the unrest and claimed that his complaint had specifically named former MLA and MDC Zenith Momin.
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Marak questioned on what he said as unequal handling of recent unrest in the state, alleging that some individuals connected to tribal rights movements were facing multiple criminal cases while no visible action had been taken in connection with the alleged desecration incident.
“Where is justice?” Marak asked while raising concerns over what he termed inconsistent application of the law.
Stating that the issue could not be ignored any longer, the Tura MDC said he would now approach the judiciary over the matter.
“I will take the matter to court,” he said.
The original complaint reportedly sought legal action under provisions related to rioting, unlawful assembly, arson, criminal conspiracy and offences connected to outraging religious sentiments.