Our Bureau
TURA/SHILLONG, Jan 11: Three years of ignored warnings and documented complaints culminated in the killing of an activist in West Garo Hills district, exposing a lethal nexus between illegal stone quarrying and administrative paralysis in Meghalaya’s plain belt, according to a local group called the Niksamso Garo Community Organization (NGCO).
The NGCO has come down heavily on the state government as well as the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) for the death of ACHIK member, Dilseng M Sangma, accusing them of paying no heed to warnings of illegalities in stone quarrying that they had presented through many complaints.
Dilseng’s death at the hands of a mob near Goalgoan after an inspection of an illegal quarry under Wadagokgre Aking has raised furore and communal tension across Garo Hills and led to the arrest of at least three alleged perpetrators of the murder. Another member, who was also assaulted, is still lying in Tura Civil Hospital.
Over the past few years, the NGCO has presented several complaints along with ‘irrefutable proof’ of illegal stone quarrying activities taking place, to both the GHADC and state Forest department but other than a few token raids and seizures, no serious action has been taken to stem the root the problem that has persisted since decades.
“We strongly condemn the continued inaction of the district administration and the GHADC regarding illegal stone quarrying activities in WGH. It is a matter of serious concern that complaints were officially submitted more than three years ago to stop illegal stone quarries operating in the region. Written representations were legally submitted to the WGH District Forest Officer (DFO) and to the GHADC authorities, yet no concrete action has been taken till date. The silence and inaction of the concerned departments raise serious questions about accountability and governance,” said NGCO president Tengrak Marak.
The NGCO asserted that despite repeated warnings and complaints, the illegal stone quarry operations continued unchecked.
“The unfortunate and violent incident is a direct consequence of this prolonged negligence. Therefore, the responsibility for this incident lies squarely with the district administration and GHADC for failing to act in time. We strongly urge the concerned authorities to take immediate and decisive action. All illegal stone quarries must be closed and sealed without delay,” said Marak.
As per sources, the entire plain-belt area of WGH, stretching a little from Garobadha right up to Tikrikilla, is filled with hundreds of these illegal setups — all of which are known to both state and GHADC forest authorities.
Interestingly, it is not only the NGCO but various other organisations that had raised the matter of illegal stone quarrying taking place in various parts of the plain belt, mostly in protected areas under the Sixth Schedule.
Earlier, even ground reports from The Shillong Times had pointed to the presence of a large number of such quarries but despite the overwhelming proof of illegalities, no serious action was taken.
The NGCO pointed to areas under Hallidayganj, Chatibui, Tangaon, Phulbari and Rajabala and Tikrikilla that are infested with illegal quarries — all of which are in the know of those of both the state and Council authorities.
The NGCO asserted that no further delays or excuses should be accepted.
“The safety, land, environment and rights of indigenous communities must be protected. Strict enforcement of the law is required immediately to prevent further loss of life and damage. We demand transparency, accountability, and prompt action from the administration and GHADC in the larger interest of justice and public safety,” added Tengrak.
The organisation blamed the murder and mob incident as a direct responsibility of the GHADC and the State Forest Department.
“For more than three years, we have repeatedly submitted complaints against the illegal stone quarries, but no action has been taken till date. Despite being informed several times, the concerned authorities failed to act. Therefore, the responsibility for this incident lies entirely with the administrative authorities for their negligence and inaction,” they added.
Bernard calls for closure of illegal quarries
Tura MDC Bernard Marak, while strongly condemning the recent mob attack on members of the ACHIK organisation, asked the concerned authorities to ensure that all such illegal quarries are shut down.
In a video statement issued to the media on Sunday, Bernard demanded action against all those involved in the crime.
“The government and its departments must see to the closure of all these illegal quarries. I am also aware of many people doing business in Tura without valid documents and papers. I urged the GHADC authority and its officials from the Forest, Taxation and Land and Revenue departments to stop issuing licences to non-tribals,” he stated.
Condemnations pour in
Meanwhile, condemnation against the incident has also started to pour in from separate groups in Garo Hills.
Combined organisations from Rongjeng in East Garo Hills comprising the GSU, APA, ADIL, AOSW, AAYF, ASWA, ACFI, GSMC, FKJGP and AHAM issued a joint statement to condemn the incident as well as seek action from the government.
“We appeal to the Meghalaya government to ensure that justice is served without delay for Late Dilseng M Sangma and his grieving family. The perpetrators of this crime must be brought to book to uphold peace, order, and justice in our society,” they stated.
Another group from Garo Hills who reacted to the brutal killing of the CSO member was the FKJGP led by Pritam Arengh. Arengh, while offering his heartfelt solidarity to the victim’s family also sought ex-gratia to be paid to the next of kin as well as action against the perpetrators of the crime. Arengh also demanded the immediate closure of the illegal stone quarry.
The FKJGP further called for a thorough, transparent and fair investigation into the incident, warning that any lapse in the probe would be viewed as insincerity and indifference towards the interests of the Garo community. “The inquiry must ensure that no stone is left unturned in establishing the truth and fixing responsibility,” the statement said.
“The people of the plain belt should keep in mind the gravity and sensitivity of the situation and cooperate with the concerned authorities to ensure the arrest of the culprits involved,” he added.
