The Garo Students’ Union (GSU) of the Eastern Zone in Williamnagar has issued a strong demand for the immediate arrest of all individuals involved in the brutal killing of Dilseng M Sangma, a member of the A’chik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK). The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community, occurred last week in the West Garo Hills district.
Demand for Swift Justice and Investigation
On Monday, the GSU called upon the authorities to conduct a swift, fair, and impartial investigation to ensure justice is delivered for the slain activist. Dilseng M Sangma was allegedly assaulted by a group of unidentified persons at Goalgoan, which falls under the Rajabala Police Station jurisdiction, on Friday. The assault proved fatal, leading to his death.
The tragic event is directly linked to a confrontation that took place earlier. On January 9, members of the ACHIK had visited Wadagokgre Aking, a site of alleged illegal stone quarrying located within an area protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The group's objective was to shut down one of the illegal quarry operations. However, on their way back from the site, they were ambushed and attacked with weapons, sticks, and stones.
Condemnation and Calls for Action
The GSU strongly condemned the brutal attack, which they state involved illegal stone quarry miners. In a statement, the union declared that such unlawful and violent acts have no place in a peaceful society and pose a grave threat to the safety and harmony of local communities. Expressing deep concern over the growing menace of illegal activities, the GSU demanded the immediate closure of all illegal stone quarry operations and the eviction of illegal settlers from the area to prevent future tragedies.
Appealing for calm, the union also urged the public to maintain peace, unity, and communal harmony, requesting citizens to refrain from any actions that could disturb public order.
Echoing these sentiments, The Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), Garo Hills Zone, also condemned the murder in the strongest terms and demanded immediate action against the perpetrators. The FKJGP has called for the stone quarry involved in the incident to be sealed and appealed to residents of the plain belt areas to cooperate with authorities in identifying the culprits.
Police Raids and Political Response
In response to the killing, police conducted multiple raids. Three individuals have been arrested so far in connection with the case. Police teams carried out raids on Friday night, including at the residence of a quarry owner suspected of being linked to the incident. However, the primary suspect was reported to be absconding, with police confirming that efforts are ongoing to track him down.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has addressed the issue, vowing strict action against those involved in the killing. He assured the public that all perpetrators would be tracked down and brought to justice, emphasizing the government's commitment to law and order.
The incident has highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding illegal mining activities in ecologically and archaeologically sensitive regions of Meghalaya, putting a spotlight on the need for stronger enforcement and community safety.
