Shillong, March 13: The Shillong Muslim Forum has written to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma seeking an investigation into an alleged attack on the Tura Jama Masjid during recent violence in West Garo Hills and urging measures to protect religious places and maintain communal harmony.
In its letter, the forum stated that it had received reports of vandalism at the mosque during incidents of arson and damage to offices and properties in the district amid tensions linked to protests over the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
According to reports, unrest was reported in Tura, the district headquarters of West Garo Hills, on Tuesday after police opened fire on protesters at Chibinang, resulting in the deaths of two people. The protests were linked to objections raised by sections of the Garo community against non-tribal candidates filing nominations for the GHADC elections.
The situation followed a ruling by the Meghalaya High Court that set aside a notification requiring Scheduled Tribe certificates for candidates contesting the GHADC elections. The notification had sought to restrict nominations to candidates possessing Scheduled Tribe certificates.
The forum stated that reports of violence included arson, damage to property, and gatherings of large crowds in several districts. It condemned attacks on places of worship, institutions, and public property, stating that such incidents should not occur regardless of community.
The Shillong Muslim Forum also stated that minorities, including non-tribal Muslims who have lived in the region for generations, have coexisted with tribal communities in the state. It noted concerns expressed by indigenous groups regarding illegal immigration and said long-settled non-tribal Muslims support lawful measures to protect tribal rights and identity.
The letter also referred to a statement issued by the Hynniewtrep Youth Council regarding the use of the phrase “Allahu Akbar” during Muslim prayers. The forum stated that the phrase is a religious expression used in worship and called for its respect.
The forum urged the state government to ensure the safety of religious institutions, take steps to restore normalcy, and maintain peace in the state.
