Meghalaya CM Sangma condemns Garo Hills violence, assures strict action

Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], January 10 (ANI): Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Saturday condemned a "tragic and very unfortunate" incident in the Garo Hills region in which one youth lost his life and another was seriously injured, assuring that the police and administration are taking strict action against those involved in what he termed a "heinous crime."
According to the CMO, the Chief Minister said that the West Garo Hills Police took strict action soon after the incident, resulting in multiple raids and arrests.
Speaking in Shillong on the Rajabala stone pelting incident, Sangma said, "Yesterday, there was a very tragic and a very unfortunate incident that took place in Garo Hills, where one youth lost his life, and one was seriously injured. We condemn this particular incident and, at the same time, express our condolences to the members of the bereaved family."
He added that law enforcement agencies acted promptly. "Last night, the West Darrow Hills Police were very swift and multiple raids were made in different locations. Three people have been arrested, and the police are working tirelessly to find the rest of the people who were involved in this heinous crime," the Chief Minister said.
Sangma also said that the district administration has taken steps to prevent any escalation of tensions and to maintain peace in the region.
"Today, the Deputy Commissioner has called different members of civil society to form a peace committee and to ensure that all related matters are discussed in detail," he added.
Appealing for calm, the Chief Minister urged residents of Garo Hills to maintain peace and communal harmony, cautioning against the spread of misinformation.
"At this point in time, I would like to urge the citizens of Garo Hills that we must ensure that peace and communal harmony continue to be there in Garo Hills. There will be a lot of news circulating on social media. Please filter them carefully," he said.
Reassuring the public, Sangma emphasised that the government is closely monitoring the situation. "At this point in time, let me assure the citizens that the police and the administration are on their job, and we will ensure that strict action is taken and all the people involved in this heinous crime are brought to justice," he added. (ANI)