Shillong Muslim Forum claims mosque attacked during Garo Hills violence, seeks CM’s intervention

The Shillong Muslim Forum today expressed concern over the reported attack on a mosque in Tura during the recent unrest in West Garo Hills, and appealed to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to protect religious institutions and maintain communal harmony.
In a letter to Sangma, the Forum said it was deeply concerned over reports of damage to places of worship and other incidents of violence and destruction of property during the tension in the district.
The organisation referred to the reported vandalism of the Tura Jama Masjid as well as the burning of offices and establishments in the affected areas, stating that those unfortunate incidents disturbed the longstanding peace and harmony that communities in Meghalaya have shared for generations.
Two persons were killed in police firing at Chibinang in West Garo Hills on early Tuesday during clashes that erupted amid protests by sections of the tribal Garo community against the attempt of non-Garo candidates in the filing of nominations for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHACD) election.
The Forum condemned all forms of violence and vandalism against places of worship, community institutions and public property, irrespective of the community or organisation involved.
It said its appeal arises purely from the concern for the protection of religious institutions and the safety and harmony of all communities living in the state.