As tensions persist in parts of the Garo Hills following recent violence, Meghalaya Police have indicated that investigators are exploring possible external involvement, including suspected infiltration and the role of outside elements in instigating unrest in the region. Police sources said the Ministry of Home Affairs has reacted swiftly and extended support to the state as security agencies examine multiple leads, including suspected cross-border linkages, even as authorities suggest that residents of the affected areas themselves may not be behind the disturbances.
Police sources said security agencies are probing possible cross-border connections while central authorities have responded quickly to assist the state in managing the situation. Police sources said, “We have been exploring Bangladesh linkage and any infiltration bids. We do have something and that is why Ministry of Home Affairs has reacted very fast and give us support. I am not rulling out people from Bangladesh infiltration.”
Authorities also indicated that the disturbances may have been fuelled by groups mobilised from outside the affected areas, suggesting that local residents from both communities are largely unwilling participants in the violence. Police sources said, “Outside the state forces are actually creating disturbance in Garo Hills because people from both the communities wheather it is Garos or non tribals in the affected areas they don’t want violence but the people inciting are from outside. People are mobilized from other parts of the state, other districts and also people from plain belt areas adjoining Assam. Many people are not from the state.”
Investigators are also examining reports of attempts to spread violence to other towns in the region, including Williamnagar, though security deployment has since been strengthened. Police sources said, “There are were reports of violence being spread to Williamnagar, Williamnagar force was not there yesterday.”
Officials further indicated that some of the disturbances were triggered by unruly groups rather than organised community mobilisation. Police sources said, “It was a group of drunken boys and girls.”
Authorities said the situation remains under close watch as security agencies continue monitoring developments in the coming days. Police sources said, “Let see what happens today and tomorrow.”
Meghalaya Police Monitoring Situation in Garo Hills; Suspect Bangladesh Infiltration May Have Instigated Unrest
