SHILLONG: As tensions continue to simmer in parts of the Garo Hills, the Meghalaya Police have revealed that investigators are closely scrutinizing the role of “external forces” in fueling the recent unrest. Authorities are specifically looking into illegal infiltration from Bangladesh and the activities of provocateurs acting from outside the affected areas.
Highly placed police sources indicate that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is actively supporting the state’s investigation. Security agencies are currently verifying intelligence regarding links to neighboring countries, with a specific focus on movements across the Indo-Bangladesh border.
“We are conducting a detailed probe into the Bangladesh connection and recent attempts at illegal entry,” a police source stated. “Significant evidence has surfaced, prompting the MHA to step in. We cannot rule out the factor of illegal infiltration from across the border.”
Government officials have clarified that the violence does not appear to be a grassroots movement. According to security forces, the local residents—whether from the Garo community or other ST groups—are not seeking conflict. Instead, the chaos is being orchestrated by individuals coming from outside the immediate localities.
“External elements are the primary drivers of the unrest in Garo Hills. The agitators are largely individuals from other districts and the plains areas bordering Assam. Many of them are not even residents of this state,” a police official added.
The investigation is also tracking reports of attempts to spread the violence to other urban centers, including Williamnagar. In response, security measures have been significantly beefed up in these sensitive zones to preempt any further untoward incidents.
Authorities further noted that several instances of violence were spontaneous acts led by inebriated groups rather than organized community-led protests.
The Meghalaya Police report that the situation is currently under control due to heavy patrolling and a heightened security presence. “We will remain vigilant over the coming days to ensure the situation remains stable and to identify the key players behind these disruptions,” the police concluded.
