Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma was present at the office during discussions with representatives of ACHIK and GHSMC, who demanded Tura to be declared the winter capital, when the violence erupted.
In a concerning incident, at least five police personnel were injured when an agitated crowd launched an attack on the Chief Minister's secretariat in Tura town, Western Meghalaya, on Monday. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma was present at the office, engaging in discussions with representatives of Achik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK) and Garo Hills State Movement Committee (GHSMC), who were demanding that Tura be declared the state's winter capital.
The situation turned violent when a mob gathered outside the office and started pelting stones. In response, the police used tear gas shells and resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the demonstrators. Amidst the chaos, several police personnel sustained injuries, according to PTI.
Following the incident, night curfew was immediately imposed in Tura town. Additionally, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 50,000 for the injured police personnel, and the state government will also bear their medical expenses.
An official at the Chief Minister's secretariat revealed, "At least five police personnel were injured when the crowd attacked the CM's secretariat at Tura in the evening today. In the melee, police were forced to fire tear gas shells to disburse the crowd."
Furthermore, police officials mentioned that while the protesters ostensibly sought to discuss the winter capital demand, a large number of outsiders mingled with them and instigated the violence by throwing stones at the office. The authorities will study the video footage to identify the culprits responsible for the attack.
Reports also indicated incidents of burning tires in several places across the town, adding to the heightened tension and security concerns.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had engaged in peaceful discussions with the agitating organizations for over three hours at Tura, trying to address their demands regarding the winter capital issue.