Our Bureau
SHILLONG/TURA/PHULBARI, March 10: Garo Hills region remains on the boil following the death of two civilians in violent clashes that began on Monday and continued till Tuesday.
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 have been deployed throughout the district to ensure peace.
The Indian Army conducted a flag march on Tuesday evening in sensitive areas including Chibinang and Rajabala to restore public confidence.
The deaths occurred early Tuesday in Chibinang when security forces opened fire to disperse violent mobs amid escalating tensions linked to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
The deceased have been identified as Khairul Islam of Goladigli-II village and Ashraful Islam of Pushkurnipara village. Reports stated that over 40 persons have sustained injuries in firing.
West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma confirmed that the clashes broke out after former TMC MLA from Phulbari, S.G. Esmatur Mominin, addressed a public meeting where he is alleged to have made inflammatory statements. Mominin was assaulted by unidentified miscreants in Tura near the Deputy Commissioner’s office while attempting to file his nomination papers on Monday.
Mominin, suspected of internal injuries, was later referred and admitted to a hospital in Guwahati on Tuesday for treatment.
The incident heightened tensions, leading to retaliatory actions including assaults on individuals from a particular community near Tura Bazaar and the mosque.
Widespread arson, clashes and property damage
Violence continued from Monday night into Tuesday morning in the plains belt, particularly Chibinang under Phulbari Police Station. Mobs set fire to the GSU office, around 30 shops near the tri-junction (aided by gas cylinders causing extensive damage), three civilian houses, and other properties.
Two places of worship were reportedly torched in Tura and Williamnagar, while the Imam of the Tura mosque was allegedly manhandled and shops belonging to one community were shut down.
Further arson incidents occurred on Tuesday in Tura. A vehicle was torched near the Police Parade Ground, while a historically important building, garages in Godiya Math, and the popular Kabul Bazaar market on Hawakhana Road reported witnessed arson leading to damages.
Clashes and cross-firing between civilians and police continued through the night until dawn. Local sources reported 10-12 injuries, though official detailed casualty and arrest figures remain awaited. Residents stayed indoors in affected areas, with security forces cordoning off those places.
The district administration extended curfew until 12 am on March 13. Mobile internet services were barred for 48 hours to curb rumours and misinformation.
HSSLC exams postponed in WGH
In view of the volatile situation in West Garo Hills, the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBoSE) has cancelled the HSSLC exams for Music on March 11 and Anthropology on March 12.
According to a notification, examinations in other districts will be conducted as per schedule. A revised schedule for the cancelled examinations in West Garo Hills will be notified soon.
Election to proceed as scheduled
Commissioner & Secretary of District Council Affairs, Cyril V. Diengdoh, on Tuesday said that elections will proceed as scheduled for now, with the situation assessed ongoing. Magistrates are deployed, and forces augmented. On the ST certificate controversy, he noted the matter is sub-judice in the Meghalaya High Court following petitions (after an earlier PIL was withdrawn), urging to await the court’s decision.
Diengdoh emphasised that the government has directed Deputy Commissioners to convene peace committee meetings, maintain communication with community, religious, and civil society leaders, and appeal for peace to ensure a conducive atmosphere for the polls.
Authorities, including the SP stationed in Chibinang, are overseeing restoration efforts. Peace meetings in Tura discussed stronger security, night curfews where needed, increased patrols, and responsible messaging from leaders.
The government maintains proactive steps like force deployment are in place, acknowledging the dynamic nature of such incidents. All sections have been urged to maintain harmony to avoid further disruption.
CM, Deputy CM silent
At a time when several parts of Garo Hills have been witnessing violence since Monday, the State leadership continues to maintain a stony silence over the matter.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who is usually prompt in his social media updates, has neither spoken on the violence nor made any appeal for peace and calm.
Home Minister Prestone Tynsong, DGP Idashisha Nongrang and Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed are also yet to utter a single word on the violent situation in Garo Hills.
