Shillong, March 19: The Garoland State Movement Committee has demanded the immediate release of its acting chairman Balkarin Ch. Marak and ACHIK leader Johny Arengh Marak, arrested after a demonstration demanding Scheduled Tribe certificates be made mandatory for GHADC poll candidates.
In a statement on Thursday, GSMC said the protest in Tura was peaceful and lawful, held under Sixth Schedule rights, and saw participation by thousands of concerned citizens, including political leaders, Nokmas, Sardars and members of the indigenous community.
Describing the arrests as “unjustified and contrary to the constitutional rights guaranteed under various provisions of the Constitution of India,” the committee warned that if the two leaders and others are not freed within this week, it would launch further democratic actions alongside the Nangrimigimin A’chik Dol, Nokmas and citizens.
“We sincerely and earnestly appeal to the government to act promptly and uphold justice by ensuring the immediate release of the detained leaders and individuals,” the statement read.
