Tura, March 9: Former Phulbari MLA Esmatul Mominin was allegedly assaulted by members of a pressure group when he arrived at the DC office in Tura on Monday to file his nomination for the GHADC elections.
The first day for filing nomination papers began today. Mominin, along with another prospective candidate, Enamul Haque, and their supporters, reached the DC office premises early in the morning, even before the office opened. According to a police official, the official notification from the DC office had not yet been released at the time of their arrival.
While the two candidates and their supporters were waiting for the office to open, news of their presence reportedly spread quickly. Soon, a large group of pressure group members gathered at the DC office premises.
Despite security being deployed outside the building, members of the group allegedly overpowered the personnel and forced their way inside the premises where the candidates were waiting. Mominin and Haque were reportedly assaulted during the commotion, while several of their supporters fled the scene.
Police reinforcements were rushed to the spot and managed to bring the situation under control before it escalated further. Both candidates, along with four of their supporters, were taken into protective custody and later shifted to Tura Civil Hospital for medical treatment.
Mominin and Haque are reportedly planning to contest the GHADC elections as Independent candidates from the Phulbari region.
Meanwhile, security has been significantly tightened around the DC office. Members of several Garo organisations, who oppose the participation of non-tribal candidates in the GHADC polls, have gathered outside the premises and indicated they would continue their protest.
In view of the incident, security has also been intensified across the plains belt region of Garo Hills, informed Abraham T. Sangma, Superintendent of Police of West Garo Hills district.
