Tura, January 28: A provocative poster purportedly linked to ISIS-K was found pasted on an electric pole near the Law College at Araimile under Araimile Outpost in Tura on Wednesday, raising concerns amid an already tense atmosphere in the region.
According to police, the poster - titled “Warning to Garos”- contained threatening messages aimed at the indigenous Garo community, warning them to vacate certain areas of West Garo Hills by 2027. The material carried extremist symbolism but was the only such poster reported from the district so far.
West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T Sangma said preliminary assessment suggests the act may be the work of individuals or groups with vested interests attempting to create fear, anxiety, and disturb law and order rather than any confirmed link to extremist organisations.
Police personnel immediately removed the poster after it was brought to their notice and registered a suo motu case at Araimile Police Station. The poster has been sent for forensic examination, and an investigation is under way to identify those responsible for pasting and circulating the material to create panic and communal disharmony.
The incident triggered widespread concern on social media, particularly against the backdrop of heightened tensions following the killing of Achik activist Dilseng Sangma on January 9 during an altercation at Goalgaon village under Rajabala Police Station. Despite the tense situation since then, police said no major incidents of violence have been reported from the Garo Hills region.
The district police have appealed to the public not to panic or be misled by unverified messages circulating on social media and urged citizens to share any suspicious information with the nearest police station or the Police Control Room in Tura.
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Meanwhile, Meghalaya Cabinet Minister and Williamnagar MLA Marcuise N Marak strongly condemned the poster, calling it an act of intimidation with no place in a society that values harmony and peaceful coexistence. He said the district administration has been alerted and strict vigilance is being maintained to bring those responsible to book.
Police have assured residents that the law and order situation in West Garo Hills remains under control and that all necessary steps are being taken to maintain peace and communal harmony.
