Former MLA Estamur Momin surrendered before the Police in Meghalaya’s Ri Bhoi district on Monday after remaining absconding in connection with violence linked to tensions over the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
Momin surrendered at the Nongpoh Police Station after evading arrest since unrest broke out earlier this month in parts of the Garo Hills.
According to officials, the violence dates back to March 9, when Momin visited the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Tura to file his nomination for the GHADC polls. His presence reportedly triggered protests outside the office, which soon escalated into clashes.
Authorities have also accused Momin of delivering an inflammatory speech at Chibinang on the same day, which allegedly aggravated tensions and contributed to the spread of violence across the region. Following the deterioration of the law and order situation, the state government decided to put the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council elections on hold.
Police said Momin had been absconding since the outbreak of violence to avoid arrest. With his surrender, further legal proceedings are expected to follow.
Officials added that details regarding the specific charges against him are yet to be disclosed, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
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