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.
Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal in an official statement this evening said the situation began when a non-tribal candidate who went to file his nomination was assaulted by a protesting crowd. Prompt intervention by police and security personnel ensured the candidate’s safety, providing him with necessary medical attention and escorting him to safety.
“Following the incident, a tense standoff continued throughout the night between groups from the hill areas and the plains belt,” he said.
Aggarwal said through the sustained efforts of the police and district administration, the situation was prevented from escalating into a larger conflict, thereby averting further loss of life and property.
However, two persons were found dead during the course of the unrest. The Deputy Commissioner said their identities are yet to be confirmed and the cause of death will be determined after post-mortem examinations are conducted.
While security forces successfully dispersed the groups involved in the standoff in Chibinang, in Tura vandalism was reported in a few locations and incidents of arson at several places, he said, adding, prompt response from fire and emergency services helped control the situation.
Fire and Emergency Services responded swiftly and brought the fires under control. No fatalities have been reported from the Tura area, he said.
In light of the unrest, which has been attributed to protests against the candidacy of non-tribals, the district administration convened a peace meeting with community leaders. Authorities have emphasised the importance of maintaining calm and working together to restore peace.
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.
To ensure law and order, additional security forces have been deployed. These include five columns of the Indian Army, three companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), one company of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), and special forces from Assam.
Curfew has been imposed in the entire district for 48 hours from 12am of March 11 to 12am of March 13 and as a precautionary measure, mobile Internet services have been suspended across the entire Garo Hills region until 12:00 midnight of March 13, and extended if necessary, Aggarwal informed.
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.
Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found taking the law into their own hands.
