Our Bureau
SHILLONG/TURA, March 18: With the law and orders situation showing marked improvement, the Meghalaya government has withdrawn the suspension of internet services from all five districts of the violence-hit Garo Hills region, officials said on Wednesday.
The suspension was imposed as a precautionary measure following incidents of violence that led to the deaths of two persons and unrest in parts of the region, particularly in West Garo Hills, where clashes, vandalism and damage to property were reported.
An order issued by the Home (Political) Department said the earlier notification, dated March 11, which had suspended mobile data and internet services in West Garo, East Garo, South Garo, North Garo and South West Garo hills districts, has been revoked with immediate effect.
Curfew extended
Meanwhile, the West Garo Hills district administration has extended the curfew by another day, with authorities also enforcing prohibitory orders banning public meetings, rallies and unlawful assemblies to prevent further escalation of violence.
Curfew will remain in force from 6 AM on March 19 till 6 AM on March 20, with a 12-hour relaxation from 6 AM to 6 PM on Thursday.
Group wants arrested members released
The Nangrimgimin A’chik Dol (NAD), a conglomeration of Garo organisations has demanded the immediate release of its leaders who were arrested by the West Garo Hills Police in connection with the recent violence in Tura.
“We demand the immediate release of Balkarin Ch. Marak, Acting Chairman of the Garoland Statehood Movement Committee and Johnny A. Marak, Vice President of NAD. These leaders and the public did not come forward for any personal gain. They stood for the rights and interests of the indigenous people of Garo Hills,” NAD said.
It pointed out that the recent protest was connected to the constitutional protections given to tribal people under Article 244(2) Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, and that its provisions are special constitutional safeguards meant to protect the identity, land, customs, institutions, and self-governance of tribal communities.
The group also claimed that the family members of those arrested were kept in the dark about their whereabouts. “We have been informed that family members are unable to clearly know where they are being kept as if they are hardcore criminals or terrorists. This has created fear and distress within the Garo community. We strongly urge the government and the police department to immediately inform the family members of their whereabouts and allow them to meet them. This is not only a human concern, but also a matter of fairness and justice,” it said.
