From Our Correspondent
TURA, Jan 24: Several NGOs from Garo Hills met in Tura on Saturday to demand justice and financial compensation for the family of slain youth activist Dilseng M Sangma.
ADIL president Francis C Marak stated the groups are seeking Rs 50 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Fund and an additional Rs 50 lakh from the GHADC. The NGOs warned they would organize a major rally in Tura if these demands are not met. AAYF president Salsam Marak further announced that the organizations have urged all political parties to refrain from issuing tickets to non-tribal candidates for the upcoming GHADC elections. He cautioned that the NGOs would take “extreme steps” against any party that ignores this demand.
During the meeting, a Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising various NGO leaders was formed to monitor the government’s progress in delivering justice and securing the requested compensation.
The NGOs also issued an ultimatum for the arrest of all suspects involved in the killing by February.
Night restrictions
Following recent incidents at Goalgaon and Gomaijhora, the West Garo Hills district administration has imposed prohibitory orders in several sensitive areas to prevent communal tension and maintain public peace. The District Magistrate issued the order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) on Friday evening. The directive prohibits unauthorized assemblies of five or more people and the carrying of weapons—including sticks, rods, and stones—between 6 PM and 6 AM.
These restrictions apply to villages falling under the jurisdiction of the Hallidayganj, Rajabala, Phulbari, and Tura Police Stations.
According to police reports, recent violence in the plain belt has led to apprehension and distrust among different community groups. Authorities noted that incidents in mixed-population areas, often fueled by miscommunication, necessitated these precautionary measures to ensure public safety.
The order has come into immediate effect in villages including Hallidayganj, Kasharipara, Charkasaripara, Lalmati, Konarchar, Sobribari, Kharigaon, Panbari, Tetultulia, Borojhora, Jewali, Bollongre, Jeldupara, Boldamgre, Guaragre, Nawalgre, Gansenggre, Masangpani, Gudibala (Katmil), Gomaijhora, Demdema, Belbari, Babilgre, Songjalgre, Shyamding, Chibinang, Kokaimari, Batabari, Mengkakgre, Chandigre, Rongkon, Takimagre, Old Bhaitbari, Rajpur, Babulgre, Bamundanga, and Chokchokia.
