Residents of the plains belt in the Garo Hills have demanded clarification from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders regarding their assertions that a majority of Bengali-speaking Muslims in the area are from Bangladesh. The residents described these claims as irresponsible and misleading, urging BJP leaders to provide specific evidence for their allegations instead of making broad accusations against an entire community. This request comes in the context of heightened tensions following disturbances during the now-deferred elections for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), which led to curfews and the suspension of mobile services in certain areas from March 9 to March 11.
In their statement, the residents emphasized the need for clarity on the identity and whereabouts of the alleged Bangladeshi residents, insisting that such claims should not be made without specifying the villages or areas involved. They interpreted these assertions as politically motivated at a crucial time leading up to elections, suggesting that they might aim to mislead the majority community and incite unnecessary conflict.
Recognizing the importance of the GHADC in safeguarding tribal rights and heritage, the residents insisted that long-term residents of the plains belt, including their families for generations, should not be unjustly categorized as foreigners. They expressed their commitment to the protection of tribal interests and peaceful coexistence among communities. The residents extended an invitation to BJP leaders to visit and observe the plains belt personally, encouraging them to avoid harmful generalizations that could disrupt communal harmony and instead focus on developmental issues and the genuine needs of all communities involved.