From Our Correspondent
TURA, March 10: Following the violent clashes in Garo Hills which led to the death of two people, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal on Tuesday issued a statement stating that the unrest in the district was triggered by protests against a non-tribal candidate attempting to file nomination papers for the GHADC elections.
The violence erupted when the non-tribal aspirant arrived at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Tura on Monday to submit his nomination. A protesting crowd assaulted him, prompting immediate intervention by police and security personnel. The candidate was secured, given medical attention, and safely escorted away, the statement by the DC said.
Following the incident, a tense standoff continued throughout the night between groups from the hill areas and the plains belt in Chibinang area. Through the sustained efforts of the police and district administration, the situation was prevented from escalating into a larger conflict, thereby averting further loss of life and property.
However, two persons were found dead during the course of the unrest. Their identities are yet to be confirmed and the exact cause of death remains unknown at this stage. Authorities stated that the cause of death will be determined after post-mortem examinations are conducted. By morning, security forces successfully dispersed the groups involved in the standoff.
In Tura, reports were received of vandalism in a few locations and incidents of arson at several places. Fire and Emergency Services responded swiftly and brought the fires under control. No fatalities have been reported from the Tura area.
The unrest is understood to have arisen from protests by certain organisations opposing the candidature of non-tribal individuals in the GHADC elections.
In response to the situation, the district administration convened a peace meeting with religious leaders, senior citizens, and representatives of civil society organisations, including the Mothers’ Union. Participants appealed to all communities to maintain calm, avoid escalation, and work collectively toward restoring peace and normalcy in the region, the statement said.
To ensure law and order, additional security forces have been deployed. These include five columns of the Indian Army, three companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), one company of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), and special forces from Assam.
As a precautionary measure, mobile internet services have been suspended across the entire Garo Hills region and curfew has been extended until 12:00 am of March 13, and the restriction may be extended if necessary, the statement added. The district administration has urged all citizens to strictly comply with the curfew and other lawful orders, maintain peace, and refrain from spreading rumours. Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found taking the law into their own hands.
Call to postpone polls, tighten security in plain belts
The postponement of the GHADC elections, stronger protective measures in the plain belt areas, and collective efforts to discourage violence were the key suggestions during a peace meeting convened by the West Garo Hills district administration in Tura on Tuesday amid continuing tension in parts of the district.
The meeting, held at the Circuit House, was chaired by Aggarwal and attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Mary Liza K. Marak, senior police officials, and a large number of citizens from Tura.
The participants suggested that the government consider deferring the GHADC polls until the court delivers its verdict on the requirement of a valid Scheduled Tribe certificate for filing nominations.
The meeting also recommended enhanced security arrangements in the plain belt areas, including the possibility of night curfews wherever necessary, intensified police and Army patrols, and responsible communication by community, church, and development leaders to prevent inflammatory messaging and promote peace.
The participants at the meeting appreciated the prompt intervention by the district administration and the police in preventing further escalation of the situation.
The meeting concluded with a prayer led by Fr Januarius S. Sangma.
Earlier, the Meghalaya BJP called for the postponement of the GHADC elections and urged the government to strengthen security measures in the plain areas of West Garo Hills due to the prevailing tension.
The party said holding the elections in the current volatile atmosphere could further aggravate the situation and stressed that the polls should be deferred until the court delivers its verdict on the requirement of a valid Scheduled Tribe certificate for filing nominations.
Expressing concern over the developments in parts of West Garo Hills, the BJP also urged the authorities to ensure stronger protective measures in the sensitive plain areas to prevent any further escalation.
The party suggested intensified deployment of security forces, stricter monitoring of sensitive locations, and coordinated efforts by the administration to maintain law and order.
