Shillong, Mar 15: As the law and order situation continues to normalise, the West Garo Hills administration has decided to relax the curfew further on Monday, for 12 hours this time.
The situation in the district remained largely peaceful today with no reports of any untoward incidents from any part of the district.
However, as a preventive measure and in order to restore complete peace and normalcy, the curfew has been further extended from 6am on March 16 up to 6am the following day unless withdrawn earlier. The curfew will be relaxed for 12 hours, from 6am to 6pm on Monday to facilitate normal activities.
During the relaxation period, all educational institutions, offices, banks and other establishments will function normally.
Meanwhile, as the situation in the district gradually returns to normal, the ‘Peace Crusade’ led by church leaders continued for the fourth consecutive day, with a prayer service held at Chandmari Playground in Tura.
The district administration reiterated its gratitude to the local communities for their sustained efforts in preventing further violence and maintaining peace.
Security forces remain deployed at all strategic locations as the administration and police continue to closely monitor the situation across the district.
Meanwhile, in East Garo Hills, the curfew will now only apply at night, from 8pm to 5am on March 16. Restrictions on Williamnagar Bazar have also been withdrawn, with all shops and establishments there permitted to open during non-curfew hours.
The violence that erupted last Monday was sparked by disputes over whether non-tribals should be able to stand and vote in Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections. The attempt by two non-tribal would-be candidates to file their nominations that day led to violence that left at least two dead, several injured and much property destroyed.
