A mob attacked the office of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma in Tura on Monday, injuring five security personnel. The mob was protesting the government’s refusal to make Tura the winter capital of the state.
The protesters surrounded the office and started throwing stones. Mr. Sangma was inside the office at the time, but he was unharmed. He is still inside the office, as the protesters have blocked the access road.
The Chief Minister’s Office said that the situation is under control, but tense. Mr. Sangma has asked the protesters to meet for a discussion on the winter capital demand and job reservation. He has also asked them to end their protest so that talks can begin in the state capital Shillong next month.
The civil society groups that have been demanding a winter capital in Tura include ACHIK and GHSMC. They have been on a hunger strike for the past few days to press their demand.
Chief Minister’s Office in Tura Attacked, 5 Injured
Mr. Sangma said that he had already agreed to meet with the NGOs in Shillong to discuss the matter further. However, he said that he was surprised by the mob attack. He said that he believes that dialogue is important, and he urged the protesters to end their protest so that talks can begin.
The attack on Mr. Sangma’s office is a serious escalation of the protest. It is unclear what will happen next, but the situation is likely to remain tense until the matter is resolved.
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