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.
