According to police reports, two individuals lost their lives due to police gunfire in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, on Tuesday. This incident occurred during a night curfew that was enforced in response to protests against the inclusion of non-tribal candidates in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections set for April 10.
The two fatalities led officials to enforce a 24-hour curfew, request an Army flag march, and station extra troops as unrest persisted throughout the plains region.
West Garo Hills district magistrate Vibhor Aggarwal has formally requested the Army's assistance to carry out a flag march in the plain belt areas of the district due to the current tense law and order situation. In a letter to the Commanding Officer of 101 Area, Eastern Command, Aggarwal stated that the presence of armed forces would significantly help in reassuring the public, preventing further incidents, and restoring residents' confidence. He added that a flag march would visibly demonstrate preparedness and a commitment to maintaining peace and stability.
The turmoil started last week when the nominations for the GHADC elections were announced, and the council required candidates to present Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates to participate in the elections, which sparked both support and opposition throughout the region.
The situation deteriorated when demonstrators outside the deputy commissioner's office in Tura reportedly obstructed and attacked former Phulbari MLA Esmatur Mominin, preventing him from submitting his nomination, which sparked protests in the plains belt area. The police rescued the former MLA, who was observed limping and missing his left shoe as he got into a police vehicle.
By Monday, tensions had escalated following the vandalism of shops in Chibinang, prompting police to use blank rounds to break up crowds. The shooting took place early Tuesday morning as security forces tried to disperse a mob amid curfew restrictions.
Authorities report that security measures have been heightened in sensitive regions, with police and district officials keeping a close watch on developments. Following two fatalities, curfew impositions, acts of vandalism, and demands for military intervention, the GHADC election dispute has escalated into a significant law-and-order issue in sections of West Garo Hills, sparking worries about the potential impact on the upcoming council elections next month.
