19/03/2026
NAD demands release of Garo NGO leaders arrested after GHADC protest
Tura, March 19, 2026: The Nangrimgimin A·chik Dol (NAD) has demanded the immediate release of several Garo NGO leaders arrested in connection with a recent protest over the election process of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, NAD alleged that the arrests were made after leaders and members of civil society organizations participated in a protest concerning the participation of non-tribal individuals in the GHADC election process. The organization specifically called for the release of Balkarin Ch. Marak, Acting Chairman of the Garoland Statehood Movement Committee and Vice President of NAD, and Johnny A. Marak, along with other NGO leaders detained during the protest.
According to NAD, those who took part in the protest were acting in defense of the rights and interests of the indigenous people of Garo Hills rather than for personal or political gain. The organization said the protest was connected to the constitutional safeguards provided to tribal communities under Article 244(2) and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, provisions that grant special administrative protections to tribal areas and institutions.
NAD stated that the issue raised during the protest concerns the preservation of the constitutional framework designed for tribal administration and representation in institutions such as the GHADC.
The group also emphasized that the Constitution of India guarantees fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and expression and the right to peaceful assembly under Article 19. It argued that citizens peacefully voicing concerns about constitutional protections should be heard with responsibility and sensitivity.
NAD also expressed concern over the situation faced by the families of the arrested leaders. According to the statement, some family members have been unable to clearly determine where the detainees are being held, which has created anxiety and distress within the community.
The organization urged the authorities to immediately inform families about the whereabouts of the detained individuals and allow them access to meet their relatives. Calling for restraint, NAD appealed to the government to handle the matter with wisdom and respect for constitutional principles.
The organization reiterated its demands for the immediate release of the detained leaders, an end to further arrests related to the protest, and the protection of constitutional safeguards and fundamental rights. Community leaders have urged authorities to resolve the issue through dialogue and constitutional means to maintain peace and stability in the region.
