Tension gripped parts of the Garo Hills region in Meghalaya after a member of a Garo voluntary organisation, ACHIK, was beaten to death by a group of miscreants at Rajabala in West Garo Hills district on Wednesday evening. The incident triggered fear and uncertainty, leading to the return of hundreds of non-Garo labourers, mostly from Assam, to the border town of Mankachar with the support of the Meghalaya administration.
According to official sources, the victim was brutally assaulted by a group of people and the attack proved fatal. Another youth was seriously injured in the incident. The killing sparked widespread tension in the Garo Hills region, with apprehension spreading among non-Garo labourers working in different parts of Meghalaya.
Following the incident, many Assamese labourers employed in construction sites, small businesses and daily wage work across West Garo Hills and nearby districts began leaving the area. With police assistance and administrative coordination, the labourers started returning to Assam from late Wednesday night. So far, more than 1,000 labourers have reached Mankachar safely. 
The Meghalaya administration has been working closely with the police and district officials to ensure the safe movement of people. Police personnel were deployed at key locations, and vehicles were arranged to help labourers travel without fear. Officials said efforts are ongoing to ensure that no further untoward incidents take place.
Reacting to the incident, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said that the government has taken swift action. In a message shared on social media, he confirmed that three persons involved in the killing have already been arrested. He said police teams carried out multiple raids across different locations in West Garo Hills soon after the incident.
The Chief Minister condemned the killing and expressed condolences to the family of the deceased. He said the police are working tirelessly to identify and arrest all those involved in what he described as a heinous crime. He also informed that the Deputy Commissioner has called meetings with civil society groups and local leaders to form a peace committee and address all concerns.
Urging calm, Sangma appealed to the people of Garo Hills to maintain peace and communal harmony. He cautioned citizens against believing unverified messages circulating on social media and assured that the administration is fully alert and committed to maintaining law and order.
Labourers returning to Mankachar said they were relieved to reach home safely but expressed concern over their livelihood. Many said they hope the situation improves soon so they can return to work.
