Our Bureau
TURA/SHILLONG, Jan 10: Several civil society organisations from across the Garo Hills region have come out in strong condemnation against the killing of Dilseng M. Sangma of Amongre village under Rajabala Police Station on Friday.
Various organisations, including conglomeration of Chokpot NGOs, FAF, Niksamso Garo Community Organisation, and GSU Western Zone (West) have condemned the incident and demanded a swift and impartial investigation, urging the authorities to identify all culprits involved and award the strictest punishment under the law, including provisions related to mob violence.
Further, the groups have expressed serious concern over the inaction of the district administration and the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) regarding illegal stone quarrying in several areas of West Garo Hills, including Singgimari, Chatibui, Tangaon, Phulbari, and Rajabala.
Complaints regarding these quarries were reportedly submitted more than three years ago, but no effective action was taken, they claimed.
According to the NGOs, the continued negligence of authorities has contributed to growing tension and recent violent incidents. They demanded immediate closure and sealing of all illegal quarries, accountability from concerned departments, and the establishment of effective mechanisms to safeguard indigenous land, lives, environment, and constitutional rights.
“This tragic incident is a direct consequence of prolonged neglect of such illegal stone quarrying”, Niksamso organisation stated.
Another organisation, while condemning the incident, questioned why the departments concerned had taken no action and remained silent when the issue of illegal stone quarrying was highlighted on the social media.
The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has demanded immediate identification, arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the incident.
In a statement issued by its chairman, R.K. Synrem, CoMSO said no individual should be shielded under political influence or bureaucratic cover and asserted that cosmetic inquiries and routine assurances would not be acceptable.
The organisation further demanded the immediate eviction of all illegal settlers from the affected areas, strictly in accordance with the law, without any delay or dilution.
CoMSO also called for a total shutdown of all illegal stone quarries operating in violation of environmental, land and mining laws, followed by criminal proceedings against quarry owners, financiers and officials who allegedly enabled such operations to continue.
CoMSO unequivocally condemned the loss of life, stating that the episode exposed a breakdown of governance, enforcement and political will in protecting indigenous people and land in Meghalaya.
The organisation maintained that the incident was not an isolated law-and-order issue but the outcome of years of unchecked illegal settlement, rampant illegal quarrying and administrative apathy despite repeated warnings by civil society groups.
According to CoMSO, the continued tolerance of illegal settlers and illegal extractive activities is altering the demographic, social and security fabric of the state.
Describing the situation as an existential issue for indigenous communities, the organisation warned that failure to act decisively would embolden illegal elements and further erode public trust in state institutions.
The statement concluded with a call on the government to uphold the rule of law, stating that there could be no middle path between lawful governance and administrative convenience.
The Northeast Indigenous People’s Association also condemned the act of violence that resulted in Dilseng’s death.
“This tragic incident has resulted in loss of life and injuries to many. We urge the authorities to take swift and decisive action against those responsible for this atrocity. The senseless violence has disrupted the law and order situation in the region, and we demand that the authorities ensure the safety and security of all citizens. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victim and those affected by this mindless violence”, the organisation said in a statement.
