ACHIK member Dilseng M. Sangma was lynched while returning from an inspection of an illegal stone quarry in West Garo Hills; six arrests made so far.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has ordered an official inquiry into the mob killing of Dilseng M. Sangma, an activist associated with the Achik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK), in West Garo Hills district.
The incident occurred on January 7 under the jurisdiction of Rajabala Police Station, when Dilseng M. Sangma and other ACHIK members were returning from an inspection of an illegal stone quarry near Rajabala. He was allegedly attacked and beaten to death by a mob near Goalgaon, triggering widespread outrage across the state.
Confirming the probe, the Chief Minister said the state government is awaiting the inquiry report before drawing conclusions, while stressing that enforcement action against illegal mining activities will continue wherever violations are found.
“The administration will act firmly against illegal activities, but conclusions will be based on the findings of the inquiry,” Sangma said.
Police have so far arrested six individuals in connection with the case. The accused have been identified as Bahadur Shiekh (21), Mozidur Hussain (22), Rafiqul Islam (47), Anarul Islam (30), Atowar Islam (40), and Ariful Islam (30).
Addressing concerns related to mining-related tensions in the Garo Hills region, CM Sangma acknowledged long-standing structural challenges in the mining license process. He noted that the government has been working to simplify procedures and improve coordination among departments to help miners obtain licenses legally and reduce conflicts on the ground.
The killing has once again raised serious questions over safety, law enforcement, and regulation in mining zones and nearby villages in Meghalaya.
Also read: Himanta Biswa Sarma Emerges as Frontrunner for Assam CM Post in Pre-Poll Survey
