Meghalaya: Two Killed in Police Firing in West Garo Hills, Curfew imposed, Internet suspended
Two people were killed in police firing during curfew enforcement in West Garo Hills as tensions rise over GHADC election nominations.
SHILLONG — Two people were killed in police firing early Tuesday in West Garo Hills as security forces attempted to disperse an unlawful assembly during curfew enforcement amid ongoing tensions linked to the upcoming elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council.
West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T Sangma confirmed the incident, stating that police opened fire after attempting to control the crowd during the night curfew.
“Two persons were killed in police firing early Tuesday as officers dispersed an unlawful assembly during a night curfew enforcement,” Sangma said, adding that “the situation right now is under control.”
Authorities had earlier imposed a 24-hour curfew across the district and suspended mobile internet services for 48 hours following incidents of violence and vandalism in the Chibinang area on Monday evening.
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Officials said miscreants vandalised several shops amid rising tensions linked to the nomination process for the GHADC elections scheduled to be held on April 10.
The unrest reportedly followed clashes between two groups as controversy grew over a notification issued by the district council requiring candidates to produce valid Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates while filing nomination papers.
District Magistrate Vibhor Aggarwal said the curfew was imposed after authorities received inputs indicating a potential threat to public peace and safety.
The curfew order prohibits residents from leaving their homes during the specified period, except for essential services.
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Mobile internet services in the district were also suspended as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of rumours and misinformation that could further aggravate the situation.
Security has been intensified in sensitive areas, with personnel from the police and the Central Reserve Police Force deployed to maintain law and order. Senior administrative and police officials have been camping in the affected areas to monitor developments.
Cyril Diengdoh, Commissioner and Secretary in charge of Home and District Council Affairs, said the state government has directed deputy commissioners to convene peace committee meetings with community leaders and appeal for calm.
He added that additional security forces would be deployed in the district following a request from the superintendent of police.
Authorities have also asked the deputy commissioner of West Garo Hills to submit a factual report regarding an incident in which a candidate was reportedly prevented from filing nomination papers.
Filing of nominations for the GHADC elections began on Monday and will continue until March 16, while scrutiny of nomination papers is scheduled for March 17.
Officials said no candidates filed nomination papers on the first day, with political parties mainly collecting nomination forms after attending briefings at the deputy commissioner’s office.
Diengdoh said the government is currently assessing the situation and has not yet decided whether to extend the nomination period.
