SHILLONG : Meghalaya Police have launched an investigation after a threatening poster ordering residents to vacate their land surfaced in parts of West Garo Hills district, with the message invoking the name of the Islamic State (ISIS), triggering concern among local communities.

The English-language poster, found in Tura, the district headquarters, warned members of the Garo community living in areas such as Phubari, Rajabala, Tikrikilla, Sesla, Garobadha and Turisori to vacate their land by 2027, failing which they would “face consequences,” a senior police officer said.

“The poster claims to have been issued by Islamic State and carries the name of one Aminur Islam. We are investigating the origin of the poster and trying to identify those responsible for it,” the officer said, adding that the contents were being verified for authenticity.

Following the discovery, security has been stepped up in sensitive areas of West Garo Hills. Police said they are examining whether the use of the name of an international terror organisation was intended to mislead people and create panic. “A thorough investigation is underway,” the officer said on January 29, while urging residents to remain calm and vigilant.

State minister Marcuise Marak said the government was taking the incident seriously. “Such threats are unacceptable and appear to be aimed at creating fear and disturbing communal harmony. The police have taken cognisance of the matter and a case has been registered,” he said in a statement.

The incident comes amid heightened tension in the region following the killing of environmental activist Dilseng M. Sangma earlier this month. Sangma, who was associated with a Garo tribal organisation, was allegedly attacked by a mob while inspecting an illegal stone quarry in the Rajabala area.

Police had earlier said a group of NGO members had gone to verify complaints of illegal quarrying when they were attacked at the site. In the aftermath, the state government ordered strict action against illegal quarry operators, increased security deployment in vulnerable areas, and appealed to residents to maintain peace.

Authorities said intelligence inputs are being coordinated and community outreach intensified to prevent the spread of misinformation and to ensure law and order as the investigation continues across the district.

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