A series of unfortunate events struck Garo Hills on Easter Monday, resulting in the loss of several precious lives.
Members of the Garo community traditionally go on outings and picnics on Easter Monday with family and friends across age groups.
However, disturbing incidents in the region once again created shock waves due to the number of deaths and accidents seen in just one day.
There were seven confirmed cases of accidents and deaths in Garo Hills, with many more thought to have gone unreported.
The first case was of a 16-year-old boy, Niksrap Sangma, from Gondenggre, who went missing at Rongkem near Samanda in the Simsang River while taking a dip during a picnic with friends.
A fire service team was deployed and the body was recovered after several hours of searching.
Another boy from Denggasi, Garobada, went missing in the tributary of the Ganol River at Damalgre and is still officially missing, though hopes of his survival are running out.
The third boy’s cause of death was after he slipped down the Nawaldare waterfall.
South Garo Hills also lost a boy called Clistzer Marak, who drowned at Emangre Fish Sanctuary in the Aginma River. His body was recovered today.
Another tragedy occurred at Chichra Manda Chibima River, Rongchong Wa’geasi, in North Garo Hills. The victim was identified as the 25-year-old Senja D Shira, from Damas.
Cases of death due to car accidents were also reported in Dobu, East Garo Hills, Watregre-Jengjal, Darugre-Rongjeng, with many unreported cases said to have been witnessed on the day as well.