Shillong: Police in West Garo Hills have launched an investigation after a provocative poster surfaced in Tura warning members of the Garo community living in the plains to vacate the area, triggering concerns over attempts to disturb communal harmony.
The poster, pasted on an electric pole near the Law College area at Araimile, was removed by district police on January 28.
Titled “Warning to Garos,” the notice was purportedly issued in the name of ISIS-K and attributed to an individual identifying himself as Aminur Islam, described as a “Plain Belt Area Commander.”
The message claimed that Garos residing in Tura, Phulbari, Rajabala, Tikrikilla, Selsella and Garobadha must leave the area before 2027.
West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham Sangma said the incident appeared to be a deliberate attempt by unidentified individuals or groups to create fear and disrupt law and order.
He said the poster has been seized and sent for forensic examination, while a case has been registered at Araimile police station and a detailed investigation has begun.
“All-out efforts are being made to identify those behind the pasting and circulation of the poster. Strict legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in spreading panic or communal disharmony,” the SP said, urging citizens not to panic or be misled by unverified messages circulating on social media.
Police have assured that the situation in the district remains under control and appealed to the public to immediately report any suspicious activity to the nearest police unit or the Tura Police Control Room.
The matter has also drawn the attention of the state government.
Cabinet Minister and government spokesperson Marcuise N. Marak said the district administration has been alerted and is maintaining strict vigilance.
Strongly condemning the incident, Marak described the poster as an act of intimidation against the Garo community and Meghalaya’s tradition of peaceful coexistence.
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“As representatives of the people and as members of the Garo community, we strongly condemn this attempt to threaten our land and our people. Meghalaya stands for harmony, mutual respect and unity, and such acts have no place in our society,” he said, urging people to remain calm and place trust in the administration and the rule of law.
Social activist Greneth M. Sangma has also written to Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home Prestone Tynsong, demanding the deployment of additional security forces, intensified search operations and action against those allegedly behind the threat.
He warned that the poster posed a serious threat to residents in several parts of West Garo Hills and called for firm steps to ensure public safety.
Officials said no similar posters have been reported from other parts of the district so far, but security agencies remain on alert as investigations continue into the origin and intent behind the notice.
