Tura, March 9: Former Phulbari MLA Esmatur Mominin was allegedly assaulted by members of a pressure group on Monday when he arrived at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Tura to file his nomination for the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
The incident occurred on the first day of filing nomination papers for the council elections. Mominin, accompanied by another prospective candidate, Enamul Haque, and their supporters, reached the DC office premises early in the morning, even before the office opened.
According to police officials, the official notification from the West Garo Hills District Administration had not yet been issued when the candidates arrived at the premises.
While the candidates and their supporters waited for the office to open, word of their presence reportedly spread quickly. Shortly afterwards, a large group of members belonging to a pressure group gathered outside the DC office.
Despite security personnel being deployed at the entrance, members of the group allegedly overpowered the guards and forced their way into the premises where the candidates were waiting. During the ensuing commotion, Mominin and Haque were reportedly assaulted, while several of their supporters fled the scene.
Police reinforcements were immediately rushed to the spot and managed to bring the situation under control before it escalated further. Mominin and Haque, along with four of their supporters, were taken into protective custody and later shifted to Tura Civil Hospital for medical treatment.
Both Mominin and Haque are reportedly planning to contest the GHADC elections as Independent candidates from the Phulbari region.
Following the incident, security has been significantly tightened around the DC office premises. Members of several Garo organisations, who oppose the participation of non-tribal candidates in the GHADC polls, gathered outside the complex and indicated they would continue their protest.
Superintendent of Police of West Garo Hills, Abraham T. Sangma, said security has also been intensified across the plains belt region of Garo Hills in view of the incident.
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