Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has strongly condemned the brutal killing of a youth in the West Garo Hills district and assured that stringent legal action will be taken against all those responsible. He also urged citizens to remain calm and uphold peace and communal harmony amid concerns over the law-and-order situation following the incident.
The incident occurred at around 2 pm on January 9 at Goalgaon under the Rajabala Police Station. The victim, identified as Dilseng M. Sangma, son of Gaban Ch. Marak of Amokgre village in Phulbari, was allegedly attacked by unidentified assailants. He was first taken to Bhaitbari Community Health Centre and later referred to Tura for advanced treatment but succumbed to his injuries while being shifted.
Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Sangma termed it “tragic and unfortunate,” stating that a youth had lost his life while another sustained serious injuries. He expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and affirmed that the administration and police are actively investigating the case. “All those involved in this heinous crime will be brought to justice,” he assured.
In the aftermath of the attack, West Garo Hills Police conducted multiple raids and arrested three individuals, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects. The Deputy Commissioner also held discussions with representatives of civil society organisations to constitute a peace committee and deliberate on measures to maintain communal harmony in the area.
An emergency review meeting was convened late Friday night at the office of the Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills. Senior officials, including the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent and Additional Superintendent of Police, Circle Inspector, and representatives of the ACHIK NGO, reviewed the prevailing security situation, assessed the progress of the investigation, and discussed immediate steps to ensure public safety.
Authorities are considering preventive measures such as the imposition of a night curfew and temporary suspension of internet services to prevent any escalation of unrest. Officials reiterated that the investigation will be carried out in a fair, impartial, and time-bound manner, with strict action against all those found involved.
Meanwhile, Rajabala MLA Dr. Mizanur Rahman Kazi also strongly condemned the incident and expressed his condolences to the victim’s family. He stated that he is in constant coordination with the district administration and the Chief Minister to ensure justice. “Together, we will ensure that the culprits are punished as per law. Every effort is being made to maintain law and order and brotherhood among the people,” he said.
Dr. Kazi informed that a peace committee meeting is scheduled to be held at 3 pm today at Rajabala, to be attended by the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, senior leaders from all communities, and NGOs. As a mark of respect and solidarity with the bereaved family and to condemn the incident, it has been decided to close all shops from Hallidayganj to Gomaijhora from 12:30 pm on Saturday.
He added that the overall situation remains peaceful and appealed to the public to refrain from spreading rumours. Chief Minister Sangma also urged citizens to rely solely on verified information from official sources as the investigation continues.
