Mob Attack On Meghalaya Chief Minister’s Office

MAHABAHU Desk

A mob, on July 24, attacked the Meghalaya Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in the mini secretariat in Tura, around 6 pm, when CM Conrad Sangma, along with his cabinet colleague Marcusie Marak were holding a meeting with civil society groups of the Garo community, who have been demanding for the declaration of Tura as the state’s winter capital, and the proper implementation of a 51-year-old job reservation policy.

After three hours into the meeting, hundreds of people gathered outside the CMO and began pelting stones. Tear gas shells was fired by the police to disperse the mob after five policemen were injured and some window panes of the building were shattered.

A total of 21 vehicles were damaged, of which four set on fire. Eighteen people were injured – 10 from Meghalaya police, one Home Guard and seven Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

After CM Sangma expressed deep regret over the unfortunate turn of events, twenty persons have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the attack on the office of the CM. Two of those arrested are BJP’s Mahila Morcha (women’ swing) functionaries – Belina M Marak and Dilche Ch Marak.

“The mob attack at the Chief Minister’s office was a conspiracy planned well in advance,” the Meghalaya police chief, LR Bishnoi told NDTV.

The police chief said that money and liquor had been distributed on July 23 near the Chief Minister’s office, in the exact place where the meeting was taking place, to disturb the peace and create violence.

“Most of the NGO’s were discussing in a peaceful atmosphere when suddenly the crowd started raising slogans, following which the NGO leaders were sent outside to calm them down, but they turned violent and started throwing stones on everyone,” Mr Bishnoi said.

Meanwhile, CM Sangma has announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 for the injured policemen, and said that the state government would also bear the cost of the treatment.

After the violence, the Meghalaya government imposed a restriction on large gathering in Tura under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code. A complete curfew will be in place between 9 pm and 5 pm in the area.

25-07-2023

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