Meghalaya Opposition Leader Calls for Inquiry into Garo Hills Violence
Demand for Independent Inquiry
Shillong, March 22: Dr. Mukul Sangma, the Leader of Opposition in Meghalaya, has urged the state government to establish an independent commission to investigate the recent violence in the Garo Hills. He emphasized that accountability and adherence to due process are crucial for restoring public trust.
In a formal request to Governor CH Vijayashankar, Sangma highlighted a significant law-and-order crisis in the Garo Hills, which he attributed to various developments related to the elections for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
He pointed out that tensions have risen due to demands from certain civil society groups representing the Garo community, which seek to prevent non-tribals from participating in the GHADC elections. Additionally, he mentioned a controversial notification from the former Chief Executive Member of the council and a meeting held by a former MLA in the Phulbari area that had broader implications.
“These events have triggered widespread unrest and conflict among different factions in the region,” stated Sangma, who is also a member of the TMC, in his petition submitted on Saturday.
The unrest escalated into violence, leading to the deaths of two individuals during clashes between opposing groups on March 10, with the situation across the Garo Hills remaining tense and unstable, he noted.
The former Chief Minister criticized the government for its delayed and ineffective response during the initial stages of the crisis.
He also suggested that the involvement of “vested interests, including potential external forces hostile to the nation,” in exacerbating communal tensions and disrupting law and order should not be overlooked.
Nevertheless, Dr. Sangma acknowledged that the situation has started to stabilize, thanks to the efforts of church leaders and senior citizens in West Garo Hills, who have been instrumental in calming the aggrieved parties.
Expressing concern over police actions, he remarked that there is a growing belief that arrests are being conducted in a “random and indiscriminate manner” without adequate verification.
“Such practices could lead to wrongful convictions, heighten public unrest, and implicate innocent individuals while allowing the actual offenders to remain at large,” he warned.
Sangma insisted that arrests should not be made merely to show action or alleviate immediate pressure, as this could worsen the situation instead of rebuilding public confidence.
He called on authorities to ensure that thorough investigations precede any arrests and that evidence-based policing is implemented while respecting citizens' rights.
In advocating for a Commission of Inquiry, the Opposition leader stated it should investigate the circumstances surrounding the notification, the causes of the clashes, identify those responsible for the violence, and hold accountable any officials who failed to intervene timely.
He also stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue and engagement with all stakeholders to resolve the issues in the best interest of the community and to maintain lasting peace in the state.