Shillong, Mar 10: Two people died after police opened fire while trying to control a violent crowd in Chibinang, West Garo Hills district early on Tuesday.
The unrest occurred amid rising tension related to the nomination process for the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
According to officials, a confrontation broke out between two groups. The situation quickly turned violent, forcing security personnel to intervene.
Police said they opened fire after attempts to disperse the crowd failed. The firing resulted in the deaths of two individuals, though authorities have not yet released further details about the victims.
Independent candidate, who was a former Phulbari MLA SG Esmatur Mominin, was assaulted on Monday while attempting to file his nomination papers. Two groups later clashed at Chibinang after an office of the Garo Student’s Union was set on fire.
Following violence, West Garo Hills District Magistrate Vibhor Agarwal had imposed curfew since yesterday. Today another extension order was passed.
“Upon careful assessment of the situation and reports received from law enforcement agencies, I am satisfied that continuation of stringent preventive measures is necessary to restore normalcy and prevent further escalation of violence,” Agarwal said
Curfew has been imposed in the entire district for 48 hours from 12am of March 11 to 12am of March 13.
All educational institutions, banks, commercial establishments, shops, markets, offices and other business establishments within West Garo Hills will remain closed, except those providing essential services including hospitals, pharmacies, emergency services, utilities and other services specifically permitted by the District Administration, the order said.
Agarwal has also requested the army to conduct a flag march in the plain belt villages.
In a letter to the Commanding Officer of 101 Area, Eastern Command, Agarwal cited the prevailing tense law and order situation, opposition to non-tribal participation, and recent communal tension and public unrest. “The presence of armed forces will greatly help in reassuring the public, preventing any further untoward incidents, and restoring confidence among the residents,” he said.
The District Magistrate assured cooperation from the administration and police to facilitate the flag march.
