Shillong, Jan 10: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has vowed strict action against those responsible for the death of ACHIK member Dilseng M Sangma in Goalgoan, West Garo Hills district. The incident occurred on Friday when Dilseng was allegedly assaulted by unidentified persons and later succumbed to his injuries at Tura Civil Hospital.
In a video statement, Sangma condemned the “heinous crime” and expressed condolences to the bereaved family. He announced that three people have been arrested and police are working to apprehend others involved. The Deputy Commissioner has convened a meeting with civil society organizations to form a peace committee and discuss related matters.
Sangma urged citizens to maintain peace and filter unverified social media reports, emphasizing the importance of communal harmony in Garo Hills. Police teams have carried out raids, including at the residence of a quarry owner suspected to be linked to the incident, who is currently absconding.
Three persons have been detained in connection with the assault that led to the death of the ACHIK member.
Meanwhile a peace meeting at Tura Circuit House appealed for calm, unity, and cooperation to maintain law and order. Participants included district officials, religious, and community leaders. The Deputy Commissioner reiterated the administration’s commitment to justice and preserving public order.
Police have registered a case and are making efforts to apprehend the culprits, with multiple raids conducted. The stone quarry owner linked to the case remains at large.
Moreover, the West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police (SP), Abraham T Sangma has said that following the incident it has come to the notice of police that certain unverified and misleading contents and rumours are being circulated on various social media platforms.
Sangma said that such actions and circulation of fake information have the potential to disturb communal harmony and public peace in the region.
The police has appealed to all concerned and to the general public to maintain peace and harmony, and not to be misled by rumours or unverified content.
“Everyone is requested to refrain from spreading or forwarding such messages, and to act responsibly on social media,” the West Garo Hills district SP said.
Sangma stated that in case of any confusion or doubts regarding the ongoing situation in the district, the public is advised to approach the District Administration / District Police / nearest Police Station, Out Post, Beat House, or the Police Control Room (PCR), Tura, through the following mobile numbers: +918837423053, +917005530510, +919089199064.
Leader of Opposition, Dr, Mukul Sangma said that although he does not have any first hand information of the incident, asked what could have led to the situation even as he said that the place of occurrence is in those areas where illegal stone quarrying are happening.
“So this government is the author of all illegal activities that is happening all over the state,” Sangma alleged.
He asked how, illegal mining of minor minerals are flourishing in the first instance.
“What I have heard is that because illegalities were going on. We have to know where the members of the NGOs have gone to stop it,” the Leader of Opposition added.
Sangma asked the district administration to restore peace in the area since such incidents can be given a communal colour and it should be avoided at all cost.
“Do not allow such incident to create any kind of situation which can turn to communal hatred,” added.
Marcuise, CoMSO condemns killing
Cabinet Minister, Marcuise N Marak on Saturday condemned the killing of Dilseng Sangma.
In his condolence message, Marak stated that such acts of violence have no place in society and are a direct assault on peace, democracy, and the rule of law.
The Minister stated that as a public representative and also as a concerned citizen, he expresses his deep anguish over this unfortunate incident.
“I have personally been in touch with the district administration and concerned authorities and have urged them to take swift and decisive action to identify the culprits and ensure that they are brought to justice at the earliest,” Marak said.
He appealed to the people to remain calm and maintain peace, while assuring that no individual involved in this heinous act will be spared.
“Justice must prevail, and the safety of our citizens remains paramount,” he added.
The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has also strongly condemned the incident, terming it a “complete breakdown of governance and enforcement” in protecting indigenous land and communities.
CoMSO accused authorities of ignoring warnings from civil society, allowing illegal activities to flourish, and leaving indigenous communities “vulnerable and insecure”. The organisation demanded immediate identification, arrest, and prosecution of all involved, eviction of illegal settlers, and shutdown of illegal stone quarries.
