Shillong, March 10: Two persons were killed in suspected police firing in West Garo Hills district on Tuesday after clashes broke out between tribal and non-tribal groups over the nomination process for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, officials said.
The incident occurred in the Chibinang area when security forces opened fire while attempting to disperse a violent mob during a confrontation linked to the council polls.
West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T Sangma said both victims were residents of Chibinang.
“The two persons who died were residents of Chibinang. There was a clash between tribals and non-tribals regarding the GHADC elections, and the firing occurred while we were dispersing an unlawful assembly,” Sangma said.
Following the violence, the district administration imposed a curfew across the entire West Garo Hills district to prevent further escalation of tensions. Authorities have also sought additional security forces to maintain law and order.
“The situation in the area is currently under control. We have sought additional forces, and they are on the way,” the SP added.
Amid concerns over misinformation and mobilisation through social media, the Government of Meghalaya suspended mobile internet services for 48 hours from March 10, while voice calls and SMS services remain operational.
The administration has also requested the Army to conduct a flag march in sensitive areas to reassure residents and prevent further disturbances.
In a communication seeking military assistance, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal said the presence of armed forces would help restore confidence among the public.
“The presence of the armed forces through a flag march will greatly help in reassuring the public, preventing any further untoward incidents, and restoring confidence among the residents,” Aggarwal said.
He noted that recent disturbances and communal tensions in the region warranted stronger security measures.
“Recently, there have been communal tensions between two groups and public unrest. A flag march by the Army will serve as a visible demonstration of preparedness and commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the area,” he added.
Tensions in the district have been escalating amid opposition to the participation of non-tribal candidates in the GHADC elections. The council recently passed a resolution making it mandatory for candidates to produce a Scheduled Tribe certificate while filing nominations, a move criticised by non-tribal community leaders as unconstitutional.
The unrest intensified after former Phulbari MLA Esmatur Momin was allegedly assaulted by protesters while heading to the deputy commissioner’s office in Tura to file his nomination for the council polls.
Filing of nominations for the GHADC elections began on March 9 and will continue until March 16, with the polls scheduled to be held on April 10.
Authorities have also convened a peace committee meeting involving church leaders, NGOs and local representatives in an effort to defuse tensions in the district.
