Tura, January 23, 2026: In an effort to restore normalcy and strengthen communal harmony following the recent Rajabala incident, a second formal peace meeting was held on Friday at the Tura Circuit House in West Garo Hills.
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| Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS, and Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma chaired the meeting |
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS, and attended by Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma, along with senior district officials. A broad cross-section of society participated in the meeting, including representatives from religious bodies, social and youth organisations, community leaders, and civil society groups.
Prominent organisations present included the Central Puja Committee, Tura Mosque Committee, Senior Citizens’ Forum, Tura Mothers’ Union, along with several other social and youth bodies from across the Tura region.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal said the primary objective of convening the second peace meeting was to address prevailing undercurrents of volatility and to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. He reiterated that maintaining law and order and preserving communal harmony remain the top priorities of the district administration.
Describing the discussions as fruitful, the Deputy Commissioner said valuable feedback received from community representatives would play a crucial role in preventing similar incidents in the future. He stressed the importance of collective responsibility and urged all sections of society to work together in the larger interest of the district.
Issuing a stern warning against the spread of rumours, misinformation, and unverified content on social media, Aggarwal cautioned that fake news has the potential to further escalate tensions during sensitive situations. He appealed to the public to verify information through official and reliable sources, including verified news channels, before sharing it.
To facilitate public verification and prevent panic-driven actions, the Deputy Commissioner informed that emergency contact numbers of all police stations have been made available. Citizens were encouraged to contact the nearest police station to ascertain the ground reality before reacting to any information.
He further stated that the district administration is working in close coordination with religious and community leaders, who have been conducting localised peace meetings in different parts of the district to calm the situation and reassure the public. Their role, he noted, is vital in discouraging emotional or impulsive responses and reinforcing messages of peace and restraint.
Meanwhile, district authorities are closely monitoring social media platforms and ground-level developments to identify any potential issues that could disrupt peace. Similar peace meetings are also being held in other parts of the district as part of a broader strategy to restore normalcy.
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Reiterating the need for sustained cooperation, the Deputy Commissioner emphasised that continued coordination between the police, district administration, religious leaders, and civil society is essential for maintaining peace and stability. With enhanced police presence and ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, the administration expressed optimism that the region would soon witness a full return to normalcy.
The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to prevent the spread of rumours, promote communal harmony, and uphold peace across West Garo Hills.
