SHILLONG, Aug 2: The state government has dissociated itself from the recent police actions in Tura.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday told reporters the actions were taken by the police and not by the government. He emphasized that the police acted in accordance with evidence.
“It has nothing to do with the government’s policy,” he said.
Recently, the West Garo Hills deputy commissioner said it was not a planned conspiracy but later, he corrected the statement. Asked about it, Sangma said the DC had issued a clarification stating that he was not fully quoted.
“Whatever action is being taken is based on facts,” the CM reiterated, adding that a magisterial inquiry is underway and if necessary, a decision can be taken in due course for an independent probe.
He said the government is awaiting the report of magisterial inquiry. He said it will not take long for the report to be submitted.
On July 24, a mob had attacked the mini Secretariat in Tura by pelting stones when the CM was holding a discussion with the representatives of some NGOs, including ACHIK. So far, 47 persons have been arrested in connection with the incident that left 18 police personnel injured.
Sangma defended the police, saying if they had not acted, people would have blamed them for not acting.
Cabinet Minister AL Hek said political parties should not be blamed for the Tura violence. He made the statement after the SP of West Garo Hills disclosed the identities of the arrested individuals and the political parties they are associated with.
Hek, who is a BJP stalwart, said it is the duty of Home department, DGP and West Garo Hills SP to look after law and order situation in the district. He said stray incidents like this happen everywhere and even the Health Minister was attacked. He said anti-social elements are everywhere.
Hek claimed the accused persons indulged in the violence in individual capacity. He expressed his disagreement with the notion of blaming a political party when an individual is involved in any anti-social activities.
