Tura, March 12: Residents across several localities in Tura stayed awake through the night to safeguard their neighbourhoods after incidents of looting, vandalism and arson were reported in parts of the town.
Following the unrest, in which miscreants damaged and looted shops and other properties at several locations, community members voluntarily organised night vigil groups to protect their homes, businesses and localities.
According to the residents, the move became necessary after reports suggested that some anti-social elements were trying to take advantage of the volatile situation by entering residential areas and engaging in unlawful activities.
In one instance, a vandalised shop in the town was found with the slogan “Long Live A•chik (Garo) Land” spray-painted on its wall. Ironically, the store itself belonged to a member of the Garo community and had been ransacked during the violence.
On a more positive note, by Thursday morning residents were seen coming out to clean the streets. Men and women used brooms and shovels to remove stones, burnt materials and other debris left behind by the protests in an effort to restore normalcy and cleanliness in the area.
Earlier, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma had appealed to citizens to maintain peace and resolve differences through dialogue rather than violence.
Church leaders have also stepped in, calling for special prayers aimed at restoring peace and harmony across the Garo Hills region.
Meanwhile, the Mother’s Union Tura appealed to the public to refrain from vandalism and other unlawful activities, stating that such acts will not bring any positive outcome. The group urged people to remain calm and work towards peace, noting that the election to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) has been postponed, allowing time for due process and discussion on issues related to the election rules.
“Violence will not help achieve anything,” the union said, adding that as mothers they hope to see lasting peace in Garo Hills and a future where their children can prosper.
