SHILLONG : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday revealed that he refused to evacuate his residence despite intelligence warnings of a possible attack amid the ongoing unrest in Garo Hills.
In a video message, Sangma said he had received information earlier that several groups and individuals were heading towards his residence with the intention of attacking his house and targeting his family.
According to the chief minister, security agencies advised him to relocate to another location as part of standard security protocol.
However, Sangma said he chose not to leave his residence and declined the advice, stating that he was not afraid.
“Earlier I received information that different groups and several individuals were heading towards my residence with the intention of burning my house and attacking my family. Based on this information and in accordance with security protocol, I was advised to move to another place. However, I did not leave because I am not afraid,” Sangma said.
He added that he has complete faith in God and believes that his life is ultimately in the hands of the Almighty.
Sangma also said that he is proud of his Achik identity and draws strength from the legacy of his late father, P. A. Sangma.
“I am also an Achik, and the blood of P.A. Sangma runs in me. I draw courage from his legacy. I love my community deeply and I am working for the cause of our people with the utmost integrity and honesty,” he said.
The chief minister also expressed concern over the recent incidents of violence reported from parts of Garo Hills, including vandalism and damage to government property and religious places.
He noted that there have been reports of homes being intruded upon and families being disturbed during the unrest.
Such actions, he said, do not reflect the values and traditions of the community.
Sangma urged citizens to remain calm and refrain from violence, emphasizing that the present crisis can only be resolved through dialogue and constructive engagement.
Calling on the public to respect democratic institutions and processes, he appealed to people to place the interests of the community and the state above all else.
“This is my earnest appeal to all,” the chief minister said while concluding his message.