curfew-extended-in-violence-hit-west-garo-hills

Curfew has been extended in parts of West Garo Hills district in Meghalaya following violence earlier this week linked to the nomination process for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, officials said on Saturday.

 

According to an order issued by District Magistrate Vibhor Aggarwal, the curfew will remain in force across the district until 6 am on Sunday. However, authorities allowed a relaxation period on Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm to enable residents to procure essential commodities.

 

Officials said movement during the curfew period will remain prohibited except during the relaxation hours, with residents directed to stay indoors for the rest of the time.

 

Meanwhile, curfew imposed in East Garo Hills district will continue until further orders. In a separate directive, District Magistrate R P Marak permitted shops at Williamnagar Main Bazar to open from 6 am to 1 pm to allow residents access to essential supplies.

 

Law enforcement agencies, magistrates and police personnel have been instructed to strictly enforce the curfew orders. Officials said legal action would be taken against those found violating the restrictions.

 

Violence broke out earlier this week in several areas of West Garo Hills, including Chibinang and Tura, during protests linked to the filing of nominations for the GHADC elections.

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Two people were killed in the unrest, while incidents of vandalism and arson were reported from multiple locations across the district, officials said.

 

In view of the deteriorating law and order situation, the Meghalaya government subsequently decided to postpone the GHADC elections. The polls were originally scheduled to be held on April 10.

 

Authorities said the curfew and additional restrictions have been imposed to prevent further escalation of violence and to restore normalcy in the affected areas.

 

Security forces have also been deployed in sensitive pockets of the Garo Hills region to maintain law and order and ensure that essential services continue to function.

 

Officials said the situation is being closely monitored and further decisions regarding the curfew will be taken depending on developments on the ground.