Shillong, March 10: Authorities imposed curfew and suspended mobile internet services in parts of Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district following incidents of vandalism linked to the ongoing nomination process for the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
According to the district administration, the curfew came into effect on March 10 and will remain in force for 48 hours, while mobile internet services have been suspended for 72 hours to prevent the spread of rumours and maintain public order. The restrictions were introduced after several shops were vandalised in the Chibinang area on Monday evening amid tensions surrounding the GHADC nomination process.
District Magistrate Vibhor Aggarwal said the measures were taken after receiving intelligence inputs suggesting a possible disturbance to public peace and tranquillity that could threaten human life and property. Under the curfew order, the movement of people outside their residences within the limits of the district has been prohibited.
Officials stated that the restrictions were necessary in view of the prevailing law and order situation and aimed at preventing further incidents of violence. Senior administrative and police officials, including magistrates, have been stationed in the affected areas and are closely monitoring developments. Security has been tightened with the deployment of police personnel and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The vandalism occurred amid controversy over a recent notification issued by the GHADC regarding the conduct of the council elections. As per the schedule, the last date for filing nomination papers is March 17, while polling is set for April 11.
Commissioner and Secretary in charge of Home and District Council Affairs Cyril V. Diengdoh said the state government has directed deputy commissioners, including the West Garo Hills DC, to convene peace committee meetings with community leaders and appeal for calm. He added that additional security forces would be deployed if necessary. The deputy commissioner has also been asked to submit a factual report regarding allegations that a candidate prevented the filing of nomination papers.
Filing of nominations for the GHADC elections began on Monday and will continue until March 16. However, officials said no candidate filed nomination papers on the first day, with political parties only collecting nomination forms for prospective candidates. Authorities said there are currently no plans to extend the nomination deadline, though the situation is being closely monitored as the election process progresses.
