Meghalaya Police have launched an investigation after a poster threatening residents to vacate their land in West Garo Hills surfaced in Tura, with the message invoking the name of the Islamic State (ISIS-K) group. The poster, written in English, warned members of the Garo community living in areas including Phubari, Rajabala, Tikrikilla, Selsella, Garobadha and Turisori to vacate their plots before 2027, failing which they would “face consequences”, according to a senior police officer. Investigations are underway to ascertain the origin of the poster and the identity of those behind it,” the officer said, adding that the contents were being verified for authenticity. Police said they were examining whether the use of an international terror organisation’s name was meant to mislead people and create panic.
Speaking to mediapersons, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong ordered an immediate probe into the incident. Terming the incident serious, Tynsong said the government would ensure that such acts do not recur and is open to involving central agencies if needed. The incident comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions following the killing of ACHIK (an NGO) member and environmental activist Dilseng M. Sangma during a stone quarry site visit by the NGO members at Rajabala in West Garo Hills earlier this month.
