Residents from the plains belt of the Garo Hills have sought clarification from state leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party over their recent claims that most people living in the area are from Bangladesh.
In a statement, a group of residents dismissed the allegations as irresponsible and misleading, urging the BJP leaders to clearly explain their repeated remarks that a majority of Bengali-speaking Muslims residing in the plains belt areas under the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) are Bangladeshis.
The statement comes in the wake of recent tensions in the region linked to the participation of non-tribals in the now-deferred GHADC elections. Parts of West Garo Hills witnessed unrest between March 9 and March 11, prompting authorities to impose curfew and suspend mobile internet services to control the situation.
“We strongly urge the leaders of the BJP to clarify their repeated statements claiming that the majority of Bengali-speaking Muslims living in the plains belt areas under the GHADC are Bangladeshis. Such allegations are irresponsible and misleading,” the statement said.
The residents asked the BJP to clearly identify where such alleged Bangladeshi residents are living in the plains belt.
“If such claims are made, the leaders should specify the villages and locations instead of making sweeping accusations against an entire community,” the statement said, adding that such remarks at a time when elections are approaching appear to be an attempt to mislead the majority community and create unnecessary tensions for political gain.
They urged political parties to focus on development and genuine issues rather than spreading suspicion and division among communities.
The residents also said they respect the GHADC and its role in protecting the land, forests, culture and rights of the tribal communities.
“We have no objection to safeguards meant to protect the interests of the tribal community. However, genuine citizens who have been living in the plains belt since the time of independence, like our families and forefathers, should not be branded as foreigners. Many of us have lived here peacefully for generations and are rightful citizens of this land,” the statement added.
The residents invited BJP leaders to visit the plains belt and identify exactly who they claim are Bangladeshis and where they are located, instead of making generalised statements that could harm communal harmony.
They also appealed to responsible leaders not to mislead the people of Garo Hills or create divisions between communities, stating that the people of the plains belt believe in peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among all communities.
