Meghalaya: 18 arrested in connection to Tura Violence Case

Digital Desk: The police investigation into the attack on the Chief Minister's meeting with ACHIK leaders at the Commissioner of Divisions office in Dakopgre, Tura, on July 24 has made significant progress. The police are getting closer to finding the culprits of the violent incident with 18 people in their custody, including two BJP Mahila Morcha women.

Belina M. Marak and Dilche Ch. Marak, two BJP Mahila Morcha officials who were reportedly encouraging the mob, were successfully taken into custody by the police late on Monday night. The police moved quickly to apprehend the mob as they started to act violently.

Two Trinamool Congress leaders who actively participated in motivating the mob to act aggressively during the event are among those on the run. Salseng R Marak has been named as one of the main suspects after being seen on camera and heard by eyewitnesses at the scene.

Speaking on the incident, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said, Conrad Sangma stated, "Today's event in Tura outside the CM Secretariat and Commissioner's office is truly very terrible. We had discussions with a few of the groups and NGOs who had concerns and had been fasting for many days, and while those discussions were taking place, we had already decided to finally meet in Shillong and discuss this with various stakeholders because the worries they have are affecting many communities and the entire state as a whole. As a result, actions of this nature require consultation. More or less all of the NGOs' concerns were addressed. Only two or three organisations were fasting in protest; the vast majority, or over 90%, were not."

"While we were debating everything, we heard some agitation and sloganeering outside as the proceedings were about to come to a close. To try to contain the scene, I invited some people to walk outside and speak to them. However, once the NGOs' leaders left the building to speak with these individuals, they returned and announced that they had never before seen these folks in this location over the previous 14 days of their fasting. They even had a few of them that appeared drunk. They were unable to leave themselves after that and had to go inside. These people appear to not be associated with their company. Since we have complete video footage and information on every person who started the disturbance, the required legal actions will be performed. Unfortunately, we took the initiative to contact them and attempt to resolve this unforeseen problem. But the police have kept the situation under control," he said.

"We had some incidents where some stone-pelting resulted in around five police personnel being seriously injured and a few others suffering minor injuries. I have decided to pay the injured soldiers Rs 50,000 in addition to the state paying for all of their medical costs. Nevertheless, as I have stated, we condemn the situation; it is unheard of in the Garo Hills, and everything we have witnessed appears to have been prepared in advance. The NGOs involved have already said that they are not a part of it and are not aware of the people involved. As I said, we have recordings and the police will take action accordingly, " CM Sangma added.