Shillong, Apr 14: Eleven Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Dadenggre have submitted a formal complaint to the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), alleging targeted harassment of their leaders and procedural irregularities by law enforcement authorities following recent communal clashes in Garo Hills.

In a letter dated April 14, representatives of multiple CSOs, including the Garo Students’ Union, FKJGP, AAYF, and A’chik Youth Welfare Organisation, expressed concern over the filing of FIRs against CSO leaders without substantiated evidence.

“It is learned that CSO leaders have been named in FIRs related to the damage of public property,” the complaint stated.

It cited the case of a CSO leader who was summoned to Dadenggre Police Station on April 11 based on FIRs registered under sections of the BNS and MMPO.

“The summon and allegations appear to be based on hearsay rather than on material evidence, proof, or credible eyewitness accounts,” the letter said.

The CSOs further alleged that the summoned leader was subjected to mandatory medical examinations despite no formal arrest being made.

“Under standard legal procedure, a medical exam typically follows a formal arrest. Subjecting respected community members and responsible CSO leader to this process without cause serves no legal purpose other than to intimidate and publically humiliate them,” the complaint read.

“We condemn this act of police.”

Calling it a “violation of fundamental rights,” the groups said the “pick and choose” method of filing FIRs and summoning leaders has created an atmosphere of fear and loss of public trust in the administration.

They added, “Is this how the administration pays back to the service of the CSOs in Dadenggre?”

The complaint emphasized the role of CSOs in maintaining peace in the region.

“Dadenggre has been a peaceful place with low registration of police cases. We will not step back and shy away from claiming our active role and contribution in making Dadenggre a peaceful place,” it said.

The CSOs placed four key demands before the administration: an independent review of FIRs filed against leaders, an immediate halt to harassment and forced medical exams without arrest, a dialogue with the Sub-Divisional administration to restore trust, and action against law enforcement officers for alleged misuse of power.

“We are placing our fading trust on the administrative system on your table to once again restore it,” the letter concluded.