Our Bureau
SHILLONG/TURA, March 25: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday hinted that the state government may institute an inquiry into the recent violence in Garo Hills in which two lives were lost and properties were damaged.
Sangma told reporters that the incidents demand an investigation to get to the bottom of the case and find out those involved. He said the government will decide the kind of inquiry required.
Asked if the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections will be conducted soon since the necessary amendments to the ADC Rules have been adopted, the Chief Minister said the council itself will take a call as it is an autonomous body.
“We are, of course, in close touch with the CEM (Chief Executive Member) and leaders of the GHADC,” Sangma said.
Asked about the allegations of random arrests, he said the law has to take its course, and in the process, the police will act based on evidence and as per the law. He added that it is completely a police matter.
The Chief Minister appreciated Trinamool Congress and its MDCs and leaders for coming together and supporting the new Executive Committee in passing the amendments to the ADC Rules.
“We are happy to see that keeping their political differences and position aside, TMC leadership and MDCs, along with some independents, came together for the rights and the concerns of the people,” Sangma said, adding that the development sends a positive message that political parties and leaders have gone beyond their party lines for taking a stand to support the amendment bill.
He refused to comment on whether such amendments will be brought in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council to bar non-tribals from participating in the election process.
Curfew further relaxed in WGH; control room withdrawn
The West Garo Hills district administration extended curfew restrictions by another two hours and withdrew the control room that was set up to oversee law and order in the district following the violence.
Curfew now remains in place from 8 PM till 6 AM to ensure that there is no recurrence of the violence that sparked tensions across Garo Hills. It broke out following an attempt by a non-tribal to file his nomination for the GHADC polls.
The violence had affected at least three places, Tura, Williamnagar and Chibinang, prompting authorities to impose curfew and postpone the elections until further notice.
