Tura, Jan 23: Tensions ran high in the plains belt region of West Garo Hills after a mob from a particular community entered a tribal village at Gomaijhora in Phulbari, over a misunderstanding relating to cattle, prompting heavy police deployment on Thursday night.
According to West Garo Hills Police Superintendent, Abraham T Sangma, police had received information at approximately 7:20 PM that a large number of people from one particular community had entered the local tribal village at Gomaijhora, creating panic and apprehension among the local residents.
A police team from Phulbari Police Station, led by the Circle Inspector, was rushed to the site and on reaching Gomaijhora village it was found that the incident was connected to the movement of a herd of cattle through the village, the same evening.
“Around 5:30 PM, one Saif Ali, S/o Late Ajbahar Ali of Gudibala village, had lawfully sold his cattle to one Bablu of Rajpur village, under Phulbari Police Station. While Bablu was taking the cattle towards his residence, on reaching near Gomaijhora village, one of the cattle escaped from his control and ran into an open paddy field. While he was chasing the cattle, some local residents of the area misunderstood the situation, suspecting it to be a case of cattle theft, raised an alarm, and chased him,” clarified the district police chief.
He added that the commotion and shouting led to panic and the spread of rumours in the surrounding nearby tribal village.
“Upon thorough verification of the facts by the police team, it was ascertained that no theft had taken place and that the cattle had been lawfully purchased.
It was further confirmed that no communal clash, attack, or attempt to disturb public peace had occurred, and the incident was purely the result of misunderstanding and rumours arising from the initial miscommunication,” informed SP Abraham T Sangma.
He added that the situation was promptly brought under control, and peace and normalcy was restored, with adequate police personnel deployed to maintain peace in the area, to reassure the public and to prevent the spread of any unverified or false information. Both communities have been advised to remain calm and maintain communal harmony.
The general public have also been advised to refrain from believing or circulating unverified incidents or rumours, either in the public domain or by word of mouth, and to confirm facts with the Police authorities and District Administration before responding to or sharing such information.
“The general public and responsible citizens are also requested to spread awareness and efforts should be made to ensure peace and prevent anti-social elements from attempting to disturb communal harmony in and around the District,” urged the police chief.
