The law and order situation in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills has eased after weeks of unrest, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Thursday after briefing Governor C H Vijayashankar.
Sangma, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Prestone Tynsong and senior officials, informed the Governor that conditions have improved significantly, with only sporadic incidents being reported.
“The situation has eased, people are now moving forward with their daily lives. After reviewing the situation, we have also lifted the internet suspension. However, we are closely monitoring the developments and remain alert,” the Chief Minister said.
Officials at Raj Bhavan said the briefing covered the sequence of events that led to the violence, particularly protests over the participation of non-tribals in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
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The unrest was triggered after a notification barred non-tribals from contesting the council polls scheduled for April 10. Tensions escalated when a non-tribal candidate, Estamur Mominin, a former MLA, was attacked while attempting to file his nomination.
Subsequent clashes left two people dead and several properties damaged in arson. Violence spread to parts of East Garo Hills, including Williamnagar, prompting authorities to impose curfew and suspend mobile internet services.
Sangma said he had camped in Tura for nearly two weeks to oversee the situation on the ground. “We have been in constant touch with the Governor over the phone, but I felt it was important to brief him in person,” he said.
On police action, the Chief Minister asserted that arrests would be made strictly based on evidence, emphasising that law enforcement agencies would act in accordance with due process.
In the aftermath of the violence, the state government postponed the GHADC elections, removed the council chief, and extended the council’s term by six months as part of measures aimed at restoring stability.
Authorities said surveillance remains in place, even as normalcy gradually returns to the region.
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