Mukul Sangma, the Leader of the Opposition in Meghalaya, has called for an independent Commission of Inquiry into the unrest and communal tensions in the Garo Hills, attributing the violence to political negligence and a “criminal conspiracy.” In a memorandum to Governor C.H Vijayashankar, he highlighted several triggers fueling the unrest, such as the demand from Garo civil society for restrictions on non-tribals in council elections, a controversial notification from the former Chief Executive Member of the GHADC, and an unlawful meeting held by a former MLA in Phulbari. The situation escalated into clashes resulting in two fatalities, creating a tense atmosphere across the districts. Sangma criticized the state government for its failure to implement preventive measures or respond to early warnings, suggesting that vested interests and external forces may be involved in inciting communal discord. He credited local church leaders and senior citizens for restoring order, rather than state intervention. Sangma emphasized the need for accountability and requested that the inquiry commission investigate the GHADC notification, identify those responsible for the violence, and hold public officials accountable for their negligence and failures.