Tension gripped parts of West Garo Hills in Meghalaya after a tragic incident involving the lynching of a young man near an illegal stone quarry in the Rajabala area. The incident, which occurred on Friday afternoon, has raised serious concerns about law and order, illegal mining activities, and the safety of local activists attempting to expose unlawful operations.

Authorities confirmed that three individuals have been arrested in connection with the lynching, while a manhunt continues for the alleged owners of the illegal quarry, who are suspected to be directly involved in the attack. Multiple police teams are conducting searches across Rajabala and adjoining areas to apprehend the remaining accused.

The Incident

According to West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma, the victim and members of a local non-governmental organization (NGO) had visited the quarry on Friday to investigate reports of illegal stone extraction. The group traveled in three vehicles, attempting to gather evidence of illicit operations in the area.

“Some of the NGO members traveling in an SUV managed to escape the scene and later informed the police about the incident,” SP Sangma told PTI.

When the police arrived at the quarry, they found two vehicles at the site and the victim lying critically injured. Despite immediate medical attention, the youth later succumbed to his injuries. Another individual sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment. The lynching, reportedly carried out by a group of men associated with the illegal quarry operations, has sparked widespread outrage in the region.

Arrests and Investigation

Following overnight raids in the West Garo Hills, police arrested three individuals believed to have been directly involved in the lynching. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have confirmed that they are actively pursuing the quarry owners suspected of orchestrating the attack.

A formal case has been registered, and police have assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure swift and transparent legal action against the perpetrators. The authorities are also examining the role of any accomplices who may have aided or abetted the crime.

Political and Administrative Response

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a “heinous act” and expressing deep grief over the loss of a young life. The CM extended condolences to the bereaved family and wished a speedy recovery for the injured individual.

He confirmed that the police conducted multiple raids in the region, resulting in the arrest of three suspects, and assured that all responsible parties would be brought to justice.

In addition to law enforcement measures, the CM said that the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills is coordinating with civil society organizations to constitute a peace committee. This committee aims to address local concerns through dialogue and mediation, ensuring that the situation does not escalate further.

Appeal for Peace

Chief Minister Sangma appealed to the residents of Garo Hills to maintain communal harmony and social stability, warning against the spread of misinformation and rumours that could exacerbate tensions. “The people of Garo Hills must not allow misinformation to disturb unity in the region,” he said, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence and cooperation with authorities.

Authorities have deployed additional police forces in sensitive areas as a precautionary measure. In Bhaitbari and nearby regions of Rajabala, the situation on Saturday reflected heightened caution, with most shops closed and vehicular movement severely limited. Police officials stated that the area is under continuous monitoring to prevent further disturbances.

Background on Illegal Quarrying

Illegal stone quarrying has long been a contentious issue in parts of Meghalaya, particularly in West Garo Hills, where natural resources are often exploited without regulatory oversight. These quarries, frequently operated in remote areas, pose environmental risks, threaten local livelihoods, and can lead to conflicts with activists, residents, and law enforcement.

The presence of NGO members at the Rajabala quarry indicates ongoing community efforts to monitor and report illegal mining activities. Such interventions often place activists at risk, particularly when quarry operations are controlled by powerful local actors or criminal networks.

Local and Civil Society Reactions

The lynching has drawn widespread condemnation from civil society organizations, local leaders, and community members. Residents have expressed outrage over the attack on a young activist attempting to uphold the rule of law and environmental protection.

Many activists emphasized the need for stronger government oversight to prevent similar tragedies in the future. They called for strict enforcement of environmental and mining regulations, as well as better protection for individuals and organizations involved in reporting illegal activities.

Broader Implications

The incident raises significant concerns about law enforcement and resource management in Meghalaya. Experts highlight that illegal quarrying not only damages the local environment but also contributes to lawlessness, corruption, and community conflict.

The lynching underscores the risks faced by activists who attempt to expose illegal operations. Authorities are now under pressure to ensure that justice is served promptly while implementing measures to prevent retaliation against community watchdogs.

Moving Forward

Police investigations continue, with authorities committed to apprehending all suspects and taking strict legal action. Community leaders and the state administration are working to maintain calm in the region while addressing the root causes of such violent incidents, including illegal mining, lack of regulatory oversight, and unresolved local disputes.

The Chief Minister’s initiative to form a peace committee reflects an understanding that law enforcement alone cannot address systemic issues. Dialogue and engagement with civil society are being positioned as crucial tools for long-term stability in West Garo Hills.

Meanwhile, police and local administration have urged residents to report suspicious activity, cooperate with authorities, and refrain from spreading unverified information. Such measures aim to prevent escalation and ensure the area returns to normalcy.

Conclusion

The lynching of a youth near an illegal stone quarry in West Garo Hills has highlighted the dangers of illegal resource exploitation and the vulnerability of activists working to uphold law and order. The arrest of three suspects, ongoing manhunt for quarry owners, and deployment of additional police forces demonstrate the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s appeal for peace, dialogue, and communal harmony signals a dual approach of law enforcement combined with community engagement. As investigations continue, authorities face the challenge of balancing justice for the victim with preventive measures to ensure that illegal quarry operations and related violence do not recur in the future.

The tragic event serves as a wake-up call to reinforce environmental regulations, protect activists, and uphold the rule of law, ensuring that communities like those in Rajabala can live and work safely without fear of violence.