Meghalaya's Garo Hills: Curfew Eased Amid Ongoing Tensions Following Election Violence

Calm Returns to Garo Hills

Shillong, Mar 13: A tentative peace has settled over certain areas in Meghalaya's Garo Hills as of Friday, leading officials to partially lift the curfew in two districts to enable residents to buy essential goods after several days of unrest linked to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.

The curfew in the West Garo Hills district was relaxed for a four-hour window, from 9 am to 1 pm, according to officials.

In the adjacent East Garo Hills district, Deputy Commissioner RP Marak extended the relaxation period, allowing residents to move freely from 8 am to 5 pm.

Authorities reported that while the situation remains tense, it is manageable, with security forces closely monitoring the areas.

During the hours when the curfew is lifted, residents are urged to maintain order and avoid any actions that could disrupt public peace.

Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to enforce legal measures against any breaches of the peace.

Violence erupted on March 10 between tribal and non-tribal factions during the nomination phase for the GHADC elections, resulting in two fatalities due to police gunfire and significant property damage.

Reports of arson, vandalism, and looting surfaced in Tura town, prompting the imposition of a curfew and the deployment of the Army to avert further violence.

The unrest was sparked by a decision from the Meghalaya High Court that annulled a GHADC order requiring a Scheduled Tribe certificate for election candidates, igniting protests and escalating tensions in the Garo Hills.

In light of the violence and deteriorating security conditions, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced the postponement of the GHADC elections, which were originally set for April 10.