The district administration has imposed a 24-hour curfew across the entire district following rising tensions over the participation of non-tribal candidates in the upcoming elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
According to an official order issued by District Magistrate Vibhor Aggarwal, the curfew came into effect at 12:00 a.m. on March 10 and will remain in force until 12:00 a.m. on March 11.
The administration stated that the move was necessary due to concerns over the prevailing law-and-order situation in the district. Authorities warned that there was a possibility of obstruction or intimidation affecting the movement of vehicles, which could disrupt normal life and cause inconvenience to the public.
Officials further cautioned that such incidents, if not prevented, could lead to a breach of peace, disturbance of public tranquillity, injuries, property damage, or even riots.
The curfew has been imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Under the order, unauthorised processions, unlawful assemblies of five or more persons, and the carrying of arms or objects that could be used as weapons—such as sticks, rods, or stones—are strictly prohibited.
Authorities warned that anyone violating the order would face penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other relevant legal provisions.
The controversy follows a recent notification by the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council requiring candidates contesting the council elections to submit a valid Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate while filing nomination papers. The directive effectively bars non-tribal candidates from contesting the polls.
The GHADC elections are scheduled to be held on April 10.
District authorities said the curfew and other precautionary measures were necessary to prevent any escalation of tensions and to ensure the peaceful conduct of the election process.
Also read: Tourism boost: Meghalaya CM unveils 123-m Monolith Towers
Follow us
