TURA, Nov 20 � The All India Garo Union (AIGU) in a representation to Meghalaya Governor has sought a speedy trial into the politician-militant nexus case of Williamnagar MLA Deborah Marak. The NGO said that the people of East Garo Hills feel betrayed by the crime committed by the MLA and asked her to step down.
�We are shocked and shamed for the crime committed by our local MLA who is holding the post of a Cabinet Minister in the government led by Mukul Sangma. She conspired with banned GNLA militants to win the last elections through guns, bullets and money�, alleged president of the AIGU unit HD Sangma.
�By using the banned GNLA militants for her electoral gain Marak has committed a serious crime against the Constitution of India, violated the fundamental rights of the voters of Williamnagar, besides violating various sections of Election law and is therefore no more fit to continue as a Cabinet Minister or even as MLA�, the statement said and sought for her ouster to facilitate free and fair trial.
The NGO asked for a speedy trial in the case so that matters could be ascertained at the earliest and the guilty punished to send a strong signal to the budding politicians aiming to use militants to win election.
Asking for the arrest of the MLA, the NGO said, �It may not be out of place to point out the need for treating Marak equally with other criminals as provided in Article 14 of the Constitution by arresting, even booking her under MPDA as done with any suspected militant�.
Taking a dig at the government, Sangma said, �The State Government has not taken any step to arrest her even after being charge-sheeted and not to speak of booking her under MPDA. Where is the equality before the law? We therefore strongly demand for her arrest as she could influence witnesses and tamper the evidence�.
Sangma urged the Governor to impress upon the Centre and the State Government to bring in the NIA or CBI to conduct a thorough enquiry into the politician-militant nexus in Garo Hills.
