Tura, Meghalaya: Senior BJP leader and Tura MDC Bernard N. Marak has sparked a fresh political controversy by hinting at a possible “nexus” between Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and former Phulbari MLA S.G. Esmatur Mominin along with former Balachanda MDC Sofior Rehman.
Marak made the remarks amid ongoing tensions in the Garo Hills related to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) and recent incidents of violence. He questioned the differential treatment meted out by the state machinery to tribal and non-tribal leaders involved in the unrest.
Background of the Controversy
The row erupted after Mominin and Rehman attempted to file nominations in Tura despite strong opposition to non-tribals contesting in certain areas. According to reports, the duo faced resistance, returned to places like Chibinang, and were later accused of instigating crowds that led to attacks on Garo villages and vandalism, including damage to a Jesus Christ statue.
Both leaders were arrested in March 2026 in connection with related cases but secured bail within days of each other. In sharp contrast, several Garo tribal leaders and civil society activists arrested for defending tribal rights continue to remain in jail, facing multiple cases.
Marak’s Strong Allegations
Addressing the media around May 17, 2026, Bernard Marak highlighted what he described as apparent bias in the handling of cases. He pointed out that minimal cases were registered against Mominin and Rehman despite serious allegations of incitement and creating communal tension.
Marak claimed that Mominin had reportedly stated he had spoken to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong prior to his visit to Tura and faced no objections. He also noted Rehman’s links with the National People’s Party (NPP).
“Is there a nexus?” Marak asked pointedly, demanding an investigation by the Home Department into possible favouritism towards “Muslim/non-tribal leaders” while tribal voices defending constitutional rights are allegedly suppressed.
He further demanded equal treatment, including bail for the arrested Garo leaders, and called for fair scrutiny of all parties involved in the disturbances.
NPP’s Firm Denial
The ruling National People’s Party (NPP) has strongly rejected Marak’s allegations, terming them baseless and irresponsible.
In a statement, the party clarified that decisions on bail are purely judicial and taken independently by the courts based on merits of each case. The executive has no role in granting or denying bail, it asserted.
The NPP urged leaders across parties to refrain from making comments that erode public faith in institutions and emphasised its commitment to peace, communal harmony, and inclusive development in the state.
Political Implications
The development has added a new layer of strain within the ruling alliance in Meghalaya, where the BJP is a partner. It also underscores deeper ethnic and political fault lines in the Garo Hills, particularly concerning tribal rights, representation in autonomous councils, and the role of non-tribal communities in local politics.
As of now, no concrete evidence supporting the alleged “nexus” has been publicly presented beyond the claims of differential treatment and timing of bails. The matter continues to fuel debates on equal application of law and political accountability in the state.
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