Meghalaya CM Calls for Unity Following Garo Hills Unrest

In the aftermath of violent clashes in Garo Hills that led to two fatalities, Meghalaya's Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has called for unity among communities and pledged to address the issues surrounding Scheduled Tribe certificates. During a recent address, he emphasized the National People's Party's commitment to serving the people and maintaining peace. The Chief Minister praised law enforcement for their efforts in restoring order and thanked the residents for their collective actions in the face of adversity. As security measures are heightened, the administration continues to monitor the situation closely.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 13, 2026, 18:09 IST

Chief Minister's Address Amid Tensions

In response to the recent turmoil in the Garo Hills that resulted in two fatalities, Meghalaya's Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma emphasized the National People's Party's (NPP) commitment to addressing issues surrounding Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates. He urged for solidarity and harmony among different communities.

Speaking to party members and supporters on Friday, Sangma reaffirmed the NPP's dedication to the values established by its founder, P A Sangma, and pledged to prioritize the welfare of the populace.

"We will tackle the ST certificate matter and remain devoted to serving the community," the Chief Minister stated in Tura, the administrative center of West Garo Hills.

He encouraged party affiliates to maintain unity and bolster the party's strength.

"The morale of the NPP cannot be diminished. Let us unite and collaborate to fortify the party," Sangma remarked.

Promoting peace and understanding, he highlighted the necessity of forgiveness and community unity.

"Now is the time for us to unite and foster brotherhood," he added.

The Chief Minister commended law enforcement and local officials for their efforts in preserving order during the recent disturbances in Tura.

"I extend my gratitude to the police and officials who worked diligently to restore control over the situation," he expressed.

Sangma also acknowledged the citizens of Tura for their collective efforts in reinstating normalcy.

"The residents of Tura united to clear debris and aid in the town's recovery. This solidarity exemplifies the strength and resilience of our community," he noted.

He further thanked religious leaders and community groups for their calls for tranquility and their role in maintaining peace.

In light of the unrest, security measures have been intensified in the area, with the administration actively monitoring the situation to ensure stability.

Earlier this week, two individuals lost their lives due to police gunfire at Chibinang in West Garo Hills during clashes that arose from protests by certain factions of the Garo tribal community against non-Garo candidates attempting to file nominations for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHACD) elections.

Reports indicated multiple incidents of arson, civilian assaults, and large gatherings in Tura and surrounding areas across five districts.

On Tuesday, the Meghalaya High Court annulled a notification that mandated ST certificates for nomination submissions in the GHACD elections, which had sparked the violence.

This notification aimed to prevent non-tribals from participating in the GHADC elections, marking a significant shift from a practice that had been in place for over seventy years.