MP Sounds Alarm on Alleged Rohingya Threat in Garo Hills, Seeks Central Intervention

Congress MP from Tura, Saleng A. Sangma, on Wednesday expressed serious concern over the deteriorating communal situation in the riot-affected Garo Hills districts of Meghalaya. He alleged that illegal Rohingya intruders have been attacking tribal communities, vandalizing religious statues, and issuing threats forcing locals to vacate their homes, reportedly with the intention of occupying the region.
In an urgent letter addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the MP urged immediate intervention by the Centre to protect the lives and property of vulnerable tribal populations in the Tura Lok Sabha constituency.

Highlighting the sensitive border situation, Sangma also called on the Cabinet Committee on Security, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to take cognisance of what he described as a rapidly escalating and dangerous scenario. He pointed to threatening posters allegedly found in several parts of West Garo Hills—such as Rajabala, Tikrikilla, and Phulbari—warning tribal residents to leave their homes within the year or face severe consequences. According to him, these messages indicate a coordinated effort to intimidate civilians and disrupt regional stability.

Sangma further cited recent incidents, including the killing of two Garo tribals and incidents of arson. On March 9, a local shop in Chibinang market was reportedly destroyed, and a statue of Mother Mary was vandalised, hurting religious sentiments and raising tensions. Based on police inputs, he stated that some of these incidents are suspected to involve individuals of immigrant origin. He also warned of increasing clashes between local tribal groups and alleged illegal Rohingya settlers, claiming possible links to extremist networks like ISIS.

Describing the situation as both physically and psychologically threatening, Sangma said such acts could lead to displacement and long-term social instability among indigenous communities. He urged a comprehensive intelligence probe to identify the networks and motives behind these developments.
The MP also recommended deploying Central Armed Police Forces to strengthen security in sensitive areas. Notably, the region has been under curfew for several days, and the scheduled Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections have been postponed for six months amid the ongoing unrest.