Mob Attack At Meghalaya CM's Office Leaves 5 Security Personnel Injured; Conrad Sangma Unharmed

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma was present at the office during discussions with representatives of ACHIK and GHSMC, who demanded Tura to be declared the winter capital, when the violence erupted.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 24 July 2023 5:17 pm

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma

In a concerning incident, at least five police personnel were injured when an agitated crowd launched an attack on the Chief Minister's secretariat in Tura town, Western Meghalaya, on Monday. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma was present at the office, engaging in discussions with representatives of Achik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK) and Garo Hills State Movement Committee (GHSMC), who were demanding that Tura be declared the state's winter capital.

#WATCH | Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma was having discussions with agitating organisations based in Garo-Hills who are on a hunger strike for a winter capital in Tura: CMO PRO

Meanwhile, a crowd (other than agitating groups) gathered at the CMO in Tura and started pelting stones.… pic.twitter.com/EqUhQDwjtl
— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2023

The situation turned violent when a mob gathered outside the office and started pelting stones. In response, the police used tear gas shells and resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the demonstrators. Amidst the chaos, several police personnel sustained injuries, according to PTI.

Following the incident, night curfew was immediately imposed in Tura town. Additionally, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 50,000 for the injured police personnel, and the state government will also bear their medical expenses.?

Listen to Meghalaya CM @SangmaConrad on what transpired & what steps has the govt taken for those injured https://t.co/fqYaVgaoTE pic.twitter.com/JwSyREFSIg
— ?? Payal M/???? ?????/ ???? ?????/ ????? ????? (@payalmehta100) July 24, 2023

An official at the Chief Minister's secretariat revealed, "At least five police personnel were injured when the crowd attacked the CM's secretariat at Tura in the evening today. In the melee, police were forced to fire tear gas shells to disburse the crowd."

Furthermore, police officials mentioned that while the protesters ostensibly sought to discuss the winter capital demand, a large number of outsiders mingled with them and instigated the violence by throwing stones at the office. The authorities will study the video footage to identify the culprits responsible for the attack.

Reports also indicated incidents of burning tires in several places across the town, adding to the heightened tension and security concerns.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had engaged in peaceful discussions with the agitating organizations for over three hours at Tura, trying to address their demands regarding the winter capital issue.