Shillong: The Meghalaya government is closely monitoring the tense situation in Garo Hills following recent violence linked to the upcoming elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC). Additional security forces have been deployed and curfew has been imposed in parts of the region.
Speaking to mediapersons on Tuesday, Commissioner and Secretary of District Council Affairs Cyril V Diengdoh said the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills has imposed a curfew for two days—March 11 and 12—as authorities work to restore normalcy and prevent further escalation.
“The situation is tense. The Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills district has imposed curfew for the next two days and the situation is being closely monitored,” Diengdoh said.
He informed that personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force have arrived in Tura and are being deployed in sensitive areas. In addition, one column of the Indian Army conducted a flag march on Tuesday evening in areas including Chibinang and Rajabala to instil confidence among the public.
Diengdoh said the government has directed deputy commissioners to convene peace committee meetings and maintain communication with community leaders, religious leaders and civil society organisations.
“We have instructed the DCs to ensure that peace committee meetings are held and to keep channels of communication open. Appeals are being made to all sections of society to maintain peace and harmony so that we can have a conducive atmosphere leading to the polls,” he said.
The prevailing curfew in West Garo Hills has also affected the filing of nomination papers for the GHADC elections. However, Diengdoh said the process is proceeding normally in other districts.
“In other districts there is no issue and candidates have started filing nominations. West Garo Hills is a unique situation because of the curfew. The DC has put in place a mechanism where intending candidates can reach out to the returning officer concerned and the district administration will facilitate the filing of nominations,” he explained.
On the controversy surrounding a notification requiring candidates to possess a Scheduled Tribe certificate to contest the elections, Diengdoh said the matter is currently under judicial consideration.
He informed that although an earlier public interest litigation (PIL) on the issue had been withdrawn, two fresh petitions—including another PIL—have been filed challenging the order issued by the election authorities, and the matter is now before the Meghalaya High Court.
“The matter is still alive in the Hon’ble High Court. Let us await the decision of the court,” he said.
Responding to fresh demands for postponement of the elections, Diengdoh said that as of now the polls will continue as scheduled, noting that the nomination process has just begun and will continue until March 16.
“We will assess the situation as it unfolds. The government is taking all steps to ensure normalcy. DCs are on the ground, magistrates have been deployed and additional forces have been sent,” he said.
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According to initial reports, two people have lost their lives in the violence. However, Diengdoh said authorities are still awaiting detailed reports from officers on the ground regarding other casualties or arrests as the situation remains dynamic.
Responding to questions on whether the department could have taken proactive measures given that similar tensions have occurred in the past, Diengdoh said the situation is evolving and the government is taking necessary steps.
“The departments are doing what we have to do in terms of force deployment and other measures. These situations are very dynamic. As I mentioned earlier, the issue has been challenged in the Meghalaya High Court, which has seized the matter. Let us await the court’s decision and examine the situation in accordance with the norms and the order of the court,” he said.
Also Read | Explained: What is causing unrest in Garo Hills?