Meghalaya youth’s killing sparks unrest in West Garo Hills

GUWAHATI

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday (January 10, 2026) appealed for calm after the killing of a youth triggered unrest in the State’s West Garo Hills district bordering Bangladesh.

The youth, identified as Dilseng M. Marak, died after unidentified assailants attacked members of an NGO called Achik, who had gone to the district’s Rajabala village to “inspect” an allegedly illegal stone quarry on Friday (January 9, 2026) afternoon. Another member of the NGO was seriously injured.

As much of the district and the Garo Hills region beyond observed a shutdown on Saturday to protest the “savage and cold-blooded” killing, the Chief Minister condemned the incident. He said that three people were arrested following police raids conducted at various locations.

“I would like to urge the citizens of Garo Hills to ensure that peace and communal harmony continue to prevail. There may be a lot of news circulating on social media. Please filter them carefully,” the Chief Minister said.

He added that the police were working tirelessly to identify the remaining persons involved in the “heinous crime”, assuring that they would be brought to justice.

Local MLA Mizanur Rahman Kazi also condemned the incident. “We are doing everything possible to maintain law and order and brotherhood amongst us. We are committed to ensuring safety to all citizens,” he said, advising people against spreading rumours.

He further stated that the district authorities convened a meeting with civil society members on Saturday afternoon to constitute a peace committee and discuss all related matters in detail.

According to locals, a group stopped the Achik members after they were returning from an “inspection” of an “illegal” stone quarry near Rajabala. An altercation followed, leading to the attack.

Most members of Achik managed to escape, but the attack left two persons critically injured. One of them was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The motive behind the attack was unclear. “We can be specific after the investigation is over,” West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma said.

The Central Executive Committee of the Garo Students’ Union demanded the immediate identification, arrest, and prosecution of all those involved in the “cold-blooded murder” of Dilseng.

“The harshest punishment under the law must be ensured to send an unambiguous message that such brutality will not be tolerated. Any delay or dilution in the investigation will be treated as an administrative failure, compelling the GSU to respond through all democratic means. Justice must be swift, exemplary, and uncompromising,” the union said in a statement.