Tura, January 25: Several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from the Garo Hills region on Saturday met in Tura to press for justice and financial compensation for the family of slain youth activist Dilseng M. Sangma.
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| Dilseng M. Sangma |
Addressing the media after the meeting, Francis C. Marak, president of A·chik Dedicated Integrity Leaders (ADIL), said the organisations are demanding ₹50 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Fund and an additional ₹50 lakh from the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) as compensation for the victim’s family. He warned that a major rally would be organised in Tura if the demands are not met.
Meanwhile, Salsam Marak, president of the All A'chik Youth Federation, announced that the NGOs have urged all political parties to refrain from issuing tickets to non-tribal candidates in the upcoming GHADC elections. He cautioned that the organisations would take “extreme steps” against any party that ignores this demand.
During the meeting, a Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising leaders of various NGOs was formed to monitor the government’s progress in delivering justice and securing the demanded compensation. The NGOs also issued an ultimatum, demanding the arrest of all remaining suspects involved in the killing by February.
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Dilseng Sangma was killed on January 9 in the Rajabala area of West Garo Hills when a gang allegedly attacked a group of activists inspecting an illegal stone quarry.
Providing an update on the investigation, Abraham T. Sangma, Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills, said eight persons have been arrested so far in connection with the killing, which took place at Goalgaon in the Rajabala area. He asserted that the police would leave no stone unturned to apprehend all absconding accused and said intensive operations are underway to track down the remaining suspects.
The killing has sparked widespread outrage across the Garo Hills, with civil society groups demanding swift justice and accountability.
