Our Bureau
TURA/SHILLONG, Jan 10: With Garo Hills on the boil following the brutal assault and death of an ACHIK activist, the state’s political bigwigs urged people to maintain peace and harmony.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic and unfortunate incident that occurred in Garo Hills on Friday, in which a youth, Dilseng M. Sangma — a member of ACHIK — lost his life and another person was seriously injured.
While strongly condemning the incident, the Chief Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
He informed the people of Garo Hills that on Friday night itself, the West Garo Hills District Police acted swiftly, conducting multiple raids across different locations and arresting three persons in connection with the crime. He added that the police are working tirelessly to apprehend the remaining individuals involved in this heinous act.
Appealing to the citizens of Garo Hills to ensure that peace and communal harmony continue to prevail in the region, the Chief Minister said that the West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner has already initiated steps to form a Peace Committee by involving various members of civil society. The committee will discuss all related matters in detail.
“There will be a lot of news and messages circulated on social media. Please filter them carefully and avoid spreading unverified information,” the Chief Minister further appealed.
He assured the people that at this critical juncture, both the police and the administration are fully performing their duties and will ensure that strict action is taken and all those involved in the crime are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, as tension continues in West Garo Hills, Opposition Leader Mukul M. Sangma urged the authorities to take immediate steps to restore peace while ensuring that the incident does not give rise to any communal hatred.
He pointed out that the incident took place at a location where illegal stone quarrying was being carried out and questioned how such illegal stone quarries have been allowed to flourish under the present government.
Expressing condolences for the loss of life, Mukul stressed that the administration must take effective measures to restore peace, especially since the incident carries the potential risk of being interpreted with a communal colour.
He further remarked that the incident occurred because the government has been silently watching illegal activities flourish, and added that similar illegal stone quarries are also operating in several other places.
Several politicians, cutting across party lines, appealed for peace and calm in Garo Hills.
Cabinet Minister and senior NPP leader Marcuise N. Marak condemned the incident and said he had been in constant touch with the district administration and other concerned authorities. He called for swift and decisive action to identify and prosecute all those responsible, while extending his deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Marak emphasised that maintaining peace and ensuring the safety of all citizens remains the government’s top priority.
TMC MLA from Rajabala, Mizanur Rehman Kazi, described the incident that occurred at Goalgaon under his constituency as deeply tragic. He stated that he has been in regular contact with the district administration and the Chief Minister, and assured the public that all possible efforts are being made to maintain law and order and communal harmony.
As part of peace-building efforts, MLA Kazi announced that a peace committee meeting has been scheduled for 3 pm on Wednesday at Rajabala. The meeting will be attended by the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and representatives from various communities and non-governmental organisations.
He further informed that, as a mark of respect and solidarity with the victim’s family, shops remained closed from 12:30 pm onwards between Hallidayganj and Gomaijhora.
The Rajabala MLA stated that the overall situation in the district was peaceful at present and appealed to all sections of society to remain calm, refrain from spreading rumours, and maintain unity and brotherhood during this sensitive time.
Both legislators reiterated their strong call for peace in West Garo Hills and assured the public that those involved in the attack would be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
