Shillong, March 13 The Shillong Muslim Forum expressed concern on Friday over the reported attack on a mosque in Tura during the recent unrest in West Garo Hills, and appealed to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to protect religious institutions and maintain communal harmony.
In a letter to Sangma, the Forum said it was deeply concerned over reports of damage to places of worship and other incidents of violence and destruction of property during the tension in the district.
The organization referred to the reported vandalism of the Tura Jama Masjid, as well as the burning of offices and establishments in the affected areas, stating that these unfortunate incidents disturbed the longstanding peace and harmony that communities in Meghalaya have shared for generations.
Tura is the headquarters of West Garo Hills district.
Two persons were killed in police firing at Chibinang in West Garo Hills on early Tuesday during clashes that erupted amid protests by sections of the tribal Garo community against the attempt of non-Garo candidates in the filing of nominations for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHACD) election.
Several incidents of arson, assault on civilians, and the gathering of large crowds were reported in Tura and other locations across the region, comprising five districts.
The Meghalaya High Court, on Tuesday, struck down a notification making Scheduled Tribe certificates compulsory for filing nominations for the GHACD polls that led to the violence.
The notification sought to bar non-tribals from contesting the GHADC elections in a departure from the practice that continued for over seven decades.
The Forum condemned all forms of violence and vandalism against places of worship, community institutions, and public property, irrespective of the community or organization involved.
It said its appeal arises purely from the concern for the protection of religious institutions and the safety and harmony of all communities living in the state.
"As members of a minority community who have lived in Meghalaya for generations, Muslims in Shillong deeply value peaceful coexistence and mutual respect with tribal communities," the Forum said in its communication to the CM.
The letter also acknowledged the concerns of indigenous communities regarding illegal immigration and said that genuine non-tribal Muslims who have long been part of Meghalaya's social fabric support lawful efforts to safeguard the rights, identity, and interests of the indigenous people of the state.
The Forum also expressed concern over a recent public statement by leaders of the Hynniewtrep Youth Council who objected to “sacred expressions” like "Allahu Akbar" (God is the Greatest) that Muslims use during daily prayers and religious observances.
Like every religion which has its own sacred expressions in different languages and traditions, the phrase holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims, the organization noted, while condemning the misuse of any religious expression in acts of violence or wrongdoing.
The Forum appealed to the government to ensure the protection of all places of worship and community institutions and to take appropriate steps to restore peace and normalcy in the region.