NNN
TURA, May 5
The Achik Matgrik Elite Force (AMEF) on Tuesday mourned the death of its chief, Jack Marak in a police encounter last Saturday. The outfit however remained defiant and said they had enough manpower and guns to carry on the fight for Garoland. The outfit has further called a bandh on May 12 in protest against the killing of their chief.In a release sent by its publicity secretary, Kuwatsrang Matgrik, the outfit said that it is ready to join with others to continue the fight and work harder for Garoland. “We condemn the killing of our C-in-C. It is a loss for the people of Garo Hills, especially the poor who were helped by him. He was a patriot and fought for the rights of Garos and Garoland”, said Matgrik.
Matgrik has also alleged that Marak was shot in the leg during the operation and was later shot and killed after being taunted. This follows the GNLA allegation of the killing being one of cold blood. “He was injured in the leg during the encounter but instead of providing medical help they killed him in cold blood like and animal. His entire face was disfigured in the encounter,” alleged Matgrik.
The outfit further accused the Home Minister of using draconian laws to kill Garo people. “There can be no return to peace if this continues”, he added.
The release further cautioned the police of Kharkutta, Mendipathar, Dainadubi and Rongjeng against celebrating Marak’s death and has threatened that their time will also come. “We have enough cadres and weapons and will not be deterred by the killing (of Jack Marak)”, stated Matgrik. “To honour the memory of Jack Marak, we call for a dawn to dusk bandh (5 AM to 5 PM) on May 12. Essential services, including pharmacies, emergency services and ambulances will however be out of the purview of the bandh”, the release informed.
