Amid the volatile situation unfolding in parts of Garo Hills and the circulation of rumours on social media, Shillong city police have heightened vigilance across the State capital to prevent any spillover or repercussion of the unrest witnessed in West Garo Hills. Authorities have stepped up surveillance, intensified patrols and strengthened coordination with community institutions, even as the overall situation in Shillong continues to remain calm.
Dewansh Pandey, Superintendent of Police (City) Shillong, said the police were maintaining a close watch on developments and were working in coordination with local community bodies to ensure that peace prevails in the city.
“The situation in and around Shillong City remains peaceful. We have intensified patrolling in the areas where we felt it required our extra presence. But all in all the situation is under control, we are constantly in touch with the local communities, with the Village Defence Parties, the local Dorbar Shnong and we are getting the full cooperation. And as of now we are hopeful that the situation is under control in Shillong city,” he said.
He added that the police are also keeping a close watch on social media platforms to prevent the spread of rumours that could potentially disturb communal harmony.
“So we are also constantly monitoring the social media, like rightly said rumours, they spread very fast, but till this point is concerned, we did not have felt the need to take action based on the reports that is because of what is going on in the social media regarding the developments,” he said.
The Superintendent of Police further informed that adequate arrangements have been put in place in view of a demonstration scheduled to be held in the city, with authorities ensuring that the gathering proceeds peacefully.
“Regarding the demonstration for tomorrow, arrangements have been made to ensure that everything happens peacefully and no untoward incidents happens. We have enough resources to ensure that the situation in Shillong city and other parts of the district remains peaceful,” he said.
He emphasised that the police remain in constant communication with traditional institutions and have intensified preventive measures to curb rumour-mongering.
“So we are in touch with the local Dorbar Shnong, we have indensified patrolling, we are monitoring social media to prevent any rumour mongering from the people who might try to disturb the communal harmony in the city of Shillong,” he added.
The heightened alert comes in the backdrop of a call issued by the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO), a collective body of indigenous community-based organisations, urging indigenous people of Meghalaya to attend a public meeting at Motphran in solidarity with the Achik community of Garo Hills over their ongoing movement against the growing menace of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.
The organisation stated that indigenous communities across Meghalaya have long expressed serious concern over the alleged rise in illegal infiltration across the international border, which they believe poses threats to demographic balance, security, land rights and the future of the State’s tribal population.
According to CoMSO, the Achik people of Garo Hills have taken a strong stand to defend their land and identity, and the public meeting is intended to demonstrate collective unity and support among indigenous communities in safeguarding their land, culture and constitutional rights. The organisation has appealed to citizens, youth groups, community leaders and members of civil society to attend the gathering and stand in solidarity with the Achik community.
