The death of a young Garo man following a violent group assault has plunged parts of Meghalaya into a state of high alert, prompting urgent peace-building initiatives from the state administration and community leaders.
Incident Details and Police Action
Dilseng Marak, a resident of Phulbari and a member of the local civil society organisation ACHIK, succumbed to injuries sustained during an altercation on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred at Goalgaon in the Rajabala area of West Garo Hills district.
According to West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham Sangma, the clash erupted when ACHIK members visited an allegedly illegal stone quarry for an inspection. The police have registered a suo motu case and have already made three arrests in connection with the assault.
"We are leaving no stone unturned," stated SP Sangma. "Multiple raids were conducted, and while the stone quarry owner is currently absconding, we are confident he will be arrested very soon."
Administration and Leaders Appeal for Calm
Given Rajabala's sensitive location near the Bangladesh border and its mixed population, authorities moved swiftly to prevent the situation from escalating into a communal flashpoint. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma issued a strong appeal for restraint, condemning the "tragic and unfortunate" incident and expressing condolences to the bereaved family.
He urged citizens to be cautious of information circulating on social media. "Please filter them carefully," he advised, emphasizing the need to maintain peace and communal harmony in Garo Hills.
Under the direction of West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal, peace committee meetings were convened at three locations on Saturday: the Circuit House in Tura, Phulbari, and Rajabala Police Station. Rajabala MLA Mizanur Rahman Kazi of the Trinamool Congress participated in the Rajabala meeting, pledging to ensure the culprits are brought to justice swiftly.
"Our top priority remains the maintenance of law and order, peace, and brotherhood among all communities," Kazi stated. He also announced that all shops in the area would remain closed from Sunday noon as a mark of respect and solidarity.
Community Reaction and Demands for Justice
The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from local groups. The Garo Students' Union labeled the assault a "barbaric crime" and an "open challenge to the rule of law." They have demanded the harshest possible punishment for the assailants under the law.
The state government's immediate response, combining police action with proactive community dialogue, aims to de-escalate tensions. The focus now remains on apprehending all involved parties and ensuring that the legal process delivers justice for Dilseng Marak, while preserving the fragile social fabric of the region.
