Our Bureau
SHILLONG/TURA, Jan 13: The Congress has demanded an independent probe into the recent killing of ACHIK member Dilseng Sangma at Rajabala in West Garo Hills district.
State Congress working president Deborah Marak criticised the state government and the district administration for failing to prevent such violence.
“This disturbing episode raises serious concerns on whether the quarry involved was operating legally or illegally. This is a critical question that demands an immediate clarification,” Marak said, adding that the failure to prevent the incident points to grave lapses by the district administration.
Stating that the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills and the state government must take responsibility for this “breakdown,” Marak said the government should institute an independent enquiry to ascertain facts and uncover the reality behind the incident. She stressed that those responsible must be brought to book.
Further, she said that maintaining law and order must be the highest priority of the government at a time when district council elections are approaching.
“Any failure to ensure public safety will only erode public trust and further destabilise the region. The government must act decisively to ensure peace, security, and justice for all and prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents,” she added.
Condemnation against killing continues
The Meghalaya Koch Students’ Union condemned Dilseng’s killing, calling it a “barbaric act.”
The union said the incident occurred as the Divisional Forest Officer and the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council did not act on written complaints submitted more than three years ago on illegal quarries in Singgimari, Chatibui, Tangaon, Phulbari and Rajabala.
The union demanded that the government give justice to the victim. Further, it demanded that the government hold the erring officials accountable, conduct an investigation into illegal licencing, pay ex gratia to Dilseng’s family and close down all illegal quarries in the plains belt permanently.
“We stand in firm solidarity with the family of the late Dilseng Sangma,” the union added.
The GSU, led by Zikku Balgra, also condemned the killing.
“I extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved family and to the ACHIK organisation. The loss of a life in such a manner is painful, and I stand in solidarity with the family during this difficult time,” Balgra stated.
The GSU leader urged authorities to take immediate action and ensure that justice is delivered in a time-bound manner.
“Let law take its course. Those responsible must be held accountable immediately. The accused must be dealt with strictly as per the law,” he said and appealed to the government to provide adequate compensation to the victim’s family.
