Meghalaya Violence: Army Deployed in West Garo Hills, Class 12 Exams Postponed
Violence during the GHADC election nomination process in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills left two people dead, prompting Army deployment, curfew, and postponement of Class 12 examinations.
SHILLONG- Following the violence, Army columns were deployed in the district at the request of the civil administration, and flag marches were conducted in several areas to restore normalcy, according to a defence spokesperson.
Two persons were killed and several others injured following clashes linked to the nomination process for the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district, prompting authorities to deploy the Army and impose curfew in sensitive areas.
The incident occurred in the Chibinang area where tensions escalated between tribal and non-tribal groups over the ongoing GHADC election nomination process. According to police officials, security forces opened fire while attempting to disperse a violent mob that had gathered during the confrontation. Both victims were residents of Chibinang.
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Authorities also imposed curfew in parts of West Garo Hills and suspended mobile internet services as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of misinformation and further escalation of tensions.
The unrest is linked to controversy surrounding the GHADC elections scheduled for April 10, particularly disputes over the participation of non-tribal candidates in the council polls.
The volatile situation has also affected academic activities in the district. The Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) postponed two Class 12 Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) examinations in West Garo Hills as a safety precaution.
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The Music examination scheduled for March 11 and the Anthropology paper scheduled for March 12 have been deferred in the district, officials said. The exams will be rescheduled at a later date to be notified by the board.
Authorities clarified that the postponement applies only to West Garo Hills, while examinations in other districts of Meghalaya will continue as scheduled. More than 29,000 students are appearing for the HSSLC examination this year.
Officials said the measures were taken to ensure the safety of students, examination staff and residents amid the volatile situation. Security forces continue to maintain a presence in sensitive locations as the administration works to stabilise the situation ahead of the council elections.
