Probe ordered into clash; advisory to politicians
Our Bureau
TURA/SHILLONG: The district administration of West Garo Hills imposed curfew on Tuesday night at 11:30 pm in the plain-belt areas of Rajabala, Mahendraganj, Hallidayganj, Bhaitbari, Singhimari, Phulbari and Chibinang areas in Garo Hills following reports of assault and secluded incidents of arson in Rajabala and surrounding areas leading to a communal build up in the sensitive and volatile area on the inter state Assam-Meghalaya border.
The curfew order indicated that an area of upto 20 km would be covered within the purview of the curfew to dominate the entire area and to instill a sense of security in the minds of the people.
The assault case involved three incidents of clashes between youths of the two prominent communities which led to three youths sustaining minor injuries.
However what alerted the district administration and district police was the vicious circulation of sensational and unconfirmed messages indicating violent clashes between the two communities, pitched battles in the interior villages and arson which were difficult to verify.
The district administration put security forces on high alert and deputed three magistrates to Rajabala area following tension between tribals and the minority community after two persons were severely assaulted and a truck filled with perishable goods and vegetable were set on fire by miscreants.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Parvin Bakshi has warned trouble makers of stern action including jail under MPDA Act because vested interest groups have been trying to ignite the situation for their own benefit.
It is believed that an altercation took place between a group of people and some shop owners over closure of their shops. After the end of the five-day GNLA bandh last week, the traders had called for a self-imposed bandh in the plain belt over lack of security and illegal collection of money from traders who ferry their goods to Tura and other parts of Garo Hills. The illegal toll collection at several places in Garo Hills has been pointed out by the agitating groups as one of the main reasons for the steep rise in prices of food items.
Traders from Assam who enter Garo Hills are allegedly made to pay extortion to certain groups and the amount is alleged to be based on the quantum of goods brought in.
In view of security lax the traders had called for a closure on Saturday and Sunday during a crucial time when people came out of homes after five long days.
The general public who went to the shops to purchase food items was unable to do so and this is said to have resulted in an altercation and the assault of two persons.
As a result of the clash tensions ran high on both sides with false reports of killing being spread.
The administration reacted quickly holding peace meetings with the agitating bodies to bring the situation under control. A meeting between SDOs of Ampati and Dadenggre with SDO of Hatsingimari took place on Tuesday to ensure stern action against groups that have been obstructing the supply of goods to Garo Hills.
The new Superintendent of Police for West Garo Hills, Mukesh Kr Singh, has been camping in Rajabala for the past two days overseeing the security scenario. The town has literally turned empty as people stayed indoors and a heavy presence of paramilitary force personnel patrolling the sensitive areas particularly Rajabala and Balachanda.
Meanwhile, tribals residing in places where they are a minority have been complaining of poor security from possible attacks by the majority residents of the area. They claim that they have been compelled to patrol their villages from possible attacks at night and are living in fear.
The villagers from Rajabala and Balachanda say they are most affected by the ethnic tension prevailing.
District administration has informed that adequate security is in place and more force are being deployed for any eventuality even though the situation has been brought under control.
Investigations have already started to identify the culprits behind the communal flare-up and the communal conspiracy involved in the incitement to violence, bakshi informed.
Meanwhile, a press release issued by the West Khasi Hills DC has stated that there are inputs which suggest that the incitements were planned from the Assam side and certain miscreants had even crossed the inter state border to foment trouble.
“It was also learnt through reliable sources that vested interests and political groups were also behind the instigation. That is the reason why it became inevitable to impose curfew to provide a sense of security and confidence in the people of both the communities . Curfew has been able to curtail free movement of mobs and anti social elements in the affected areas,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the State Government has ordered a probe into the build up to the communal flare up, the involvement of persons inimical to peace on both sides of the inter state border and political abetment of the sectarian clash.
Instructions have been issued to the District Magistrate to cause an inquiry into the circumstances and events which led to the ugly stand off between the two communities with terms of the inquiry to find out the people behind the instigation by examining mobile call records, recording statements and taking depositions with the help of law enforcing agencies.
The magisterial inquiry will be submitted in seven days time at least coming out with a preliminary report during the period followed by a detailed inquiry.
In the mean time an advisory has also been issued to all MLAs, MPs, political leaders to stay away from the affected areas till the situation is brought to normal.