Tura, July 29: In the aftermath of the recent Tura mob attack, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma of Meghalaya has reassured the public that arrests and subsequent actions against the culprits will be solely based on evidence.
Addressing the media, Sangma emphasized that the investigation will remain impartial and free from any political influence. The attack occurred during a meeting with NGOs and stakeholders to discuss the demand for winter capital and the retrospective implementation of the roster system.
“I want to make this very clear that anybody who will be arrested will be purely on the basis of evidence. What had happened was not correct. I had gone there with a positive intention and had never agreed to go there to their location but thinking of how it would be wrongly misconstrued and thinking that if it helps the cause, I decided to go there, to talk to them, and find a way forward,” mentioned Sangma.
Reiterating the impartiality of the investigation, the Chief Minister emphasized that decisions will be solely guided by the available evidence and not influenced by political affiliations. He further stated that the NGOs present during the incident confirmed that none of those involved in the attack belonged to their organization.
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“From all statements, there were external agencies present who were not connected to the group there. That sloganeering happened to be from political parties. We are not going by political affiliations; everything will be based on evidence. If a person based on proof was involved in inciting, action will be taken against the individual,” added the Chief Minister.
Reflecting on the gravity of the attack, Sangma expressed his dismay over the assault on the police force and even on an ambulance carrying injured personnel. He mentioned that precautionary measures were taken when Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh was in Garo Hills, as authorities anticipated some aggression but did not expect a full-fledged attack on the Chief Minister.
With nearly 40 people already arrested, the Tura mob attack has left several injured and numerous vehicles damaged. Ministers and civilian vehicles suffered damages, and a police vehicle was set ablaze during the incident.
Addressing the statement made by TMC leader Dr. Mukul Sangma, who claimed that the police were acting at the behest of political leaders, the Chief Minister defended the police force, stating that they acted diligently to protect him and did not cause any harm. Sangma expressed that such statements condemning the police’s efforts were unjustified, considering the sacrifices they make while performing their duties.
Regarding the issue of intelligence failure, the Chief Minister refrained from solely blaming that aspect and acknowledged that there might have been a lapse. He asserted the government’s commitment to analyzing the situation and taking measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Sangma also disclosed his conversation with the Director General of Police, Dr. LR Bishnoi, about the matter, stating that detailed discussions would follow an independent process to address security concerns.
The Tura mob attack has raised concerns about the safety and security of public representatives and the need for robust measures to prevent such violent incidents in the future. The Chief Minister’s assurance of impartial investigation and strong actions against the culprits offers hope for justice and accountability in the face of such heinous acts.
