Meghalaya: Curfew Relaxed in West Garo Hills, CM Visits Violence hit Areas
Authorities allowed a four-hour curfew relaxation in Tura as the situation remained calm after recent violence linked to GHADC election nominations.
TURA— The violence-hit West Garo Hills district in Meghalaya saw a cautious step toward normalcy today as authorities relaxed the ongoing curfew for a limited period, allowing residents to access essential supplies amid no reports of fresh clashes.
The district administration, led by District Magistrate Vibhor Aggarwal, extended the curfew across West Garo Hills until 6:00 AM on March 14 but permitted a four-hour relaxation from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on March 13. This window enabled people to purchase food, medicines, and other necessities, following similar but shorter relaxations on previous days.
Yesterday, Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma visited violence hit areas in to assess the damage caused to public and private properties across the town. “ Distressed to see the loss suffered by individuals and commercial establishments” he mentioned his social media timeline.
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The situation remains calm but tense, according to officials. No new incidents of violence or major disturbances have been reported in the past 24 hours, particularly in key hotspots like Tura, Chibinang, and other sensitive pockets.
Security forces, including Army columns conducting flag marches and additional paramilitary personnel, continue to maintain a strong presence and patrol sensitive zones to prevent any escalation.
The curfew and restrictions stem from ethnic clashes earlier this week linked to the nomination process for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections. Protests against non-tribal candidates’ participation turned violent, resulting in two deaths from police firing, arson, vandalism of shops, and attacks on vehicles.
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The Meghalaya government indefinitely postponed the polls (originally set for April 10) due to the unrest, and mobile internet services remain suspended in the district to curb rumors and inflammatory content.
In Tura, the main town, residents utilized today’s relaxation to buy essentials and, in some cases, participate in voluntary clean-up efforts of debris from earlier unrest. Educational institutions, banks, markets, and commercial establishments stayed closed outside the relaxation window, with strict enforcement in place—violations carry legal consequences.
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East Garo Hills has seen similar patterns, with earlier curfew relaxations (e.g., five hours on March 12), and the broader Garo Hills region is gradually stabilizing, though authorities urge continued caution.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has appealed for peace, emphasizing dialogue to resolve underlying tensions over indigenous rights and electoral participation. Investigations into the violence continue, including any external influences or misinformation that fueled the clashes.
Residents and community leaders have called for de-escalation, with some groups organizing solidarity protests in Shillong while urging restraint on the ground.
