Tura: The spate in shootings and kidnappings by underground groups in the Garo Hills in the past few days has prompted resistance from the civil society. NGOs have condemned the incidents and the trading community in Williamnagar has formed an association to protect merchants against attacks.
The NGOs have demanded from the district administration that arrangements be made to ensure the safety and security of the common people, businessmen and government employees in the East Garo Hill District.
The NGOs have also appealed to the general public of the district to stand united and not to support any form of gun culture, to condemn the frequent ruthless activities taking place in the society. The NGOs also made an appeal to all armed organizations to work for peace and harmony in Garo Hills.
The militancy-related incidents in Williamnagar, the latest being the shooting of a wine store owner on April 2, have prompted traders and merchants of the headquarters of East Garo Hills to form the Williamnagar United Merchants’ Association, with about 25 members, Kronoliat Marak being the president and Ratan Saha the vice-president.
NGOs of Williamnagar together, including GSU, FAF, AIGU, FKJGP, Mothers’ Federation, ICFS and AYF have condemned the recent attacks. These included the two separate incidents of hurling of a grenade at a wine store near the MTC bus stand and the shooting of a wine store manager near the main market.
It may be mentioned that incidents like kidnappings from the vicinity of Tura town have taken place when the Meghalaya Chief Minister is present in the Garo Hills for poll campaigning and the administration is alert in view of the ensuing Lok Sabha polling.
