SHILLONG : BJP leader and Tura MDC Bernard N. Marak on Sunday questioned the State government over the bail granted to former MLA S.G. Esmatur Mominin and NPP leader Sofior Rehman, while several Garo leaders arrested during the recent unrest continue to remain in custody.
Marak also raised suspicion over what he called a possible “nexus” involving Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Mominin and Rehman.
“Is there nexus between CM and Mominin? Is it possible that Mominin and Rehman were not charge-sheeted because Mominin contacted the CM before coming to Tura?” Marak asked.
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He said the release of the two leaders within days of each other has led to questions over whether all accused are being treated equally.
“The detention of Garo leaders alongside the release of Muslim leaders raises concerns about impartiality by the state government,” he said. Marak alleged that while Garo leaders who claimed to be defending tribal rights were arrested, others accused of contributing to communal tensions were granted relief.
“Is the state government favouring Muslim leaders like Mominin and Rehman while unfairly targeting Garo leaders who were defending tribal rights?” he questioned.
He further claimed that communal tensions had been fuelled through social media and outside involvement.
“The Muslim leaders have allegedly incited communal tensions through social media and with the help of outsiders. Mominin also claimed that he talked to the CM before coming to Tura, and Rehman is in the NPP. Is there a nexus?” Marak said.
Calling for equal treatment under the law, the BJP leader said the same approach applied to Mominin and Rehman should also be extended to the arrested Garo leaders.
“The police must not be swayed by personal biases or external pressures. Equal treatment under the law is paramount,” he stated.
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Marak also demanded an inquiry by the Home Department into what he described as “differential treatment” in the handling of the cases.
“An investigation by the Home Department into the differential treatment is essential to instil faith in justice,” he added.
He further said that some MDCs who later joined the NPP Executive Committee had publicly shown solidarity with the arrested leaders, adding that their actions should also face equal legal scrutiny.