Shillong, Mar 13: The law and order situation in Tura town has continued to improve, with the situation slowly creeping back towards normality following deadly and destructive violence in West Garo Hills earlier in the week.
However, in order to maintain peace and security and to prevent the recurrence of violence or any untoward incidents, the state has further extended the curfew from 6am of March 14 to 6am of March 15.
The district administration informed that during this period, a relaxation of curfew will be allowed from 9am to 3pm (an increase of two hours on the previous day) on March 14 to facilitate public movement and enable residents to attend to essential activities.
The government said that law enforcement agencies, including police personnel and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), continue to remain deployed in most parts of the town to ensure maintenance of law and order.
The West Garo Hills district administration has also expressed its gratitude to the church leaders, local communities and enforcement agencies who are responsible for ushering in a return to normalcy.
“Untiring and sustained efforts have contributed significantly to the gradual restoration of peace and normalcy in the town,” the government said.
Meanwhile, in a show of solidarity and hope for peace, a prayer service was also held on Friday at Hawakhana Junction, led by Church leaders of various denominations.
The service was attended by prominent leaders, senior citizens and a large number of residents who gathered to pray for peace and the early return of normalcy in the town.
The government said that the situation in the plains belt areas of Chibinang and Rajabala has also been reported to be largely peaceful at present.
“However, security forces remain deployed in these areas to maintain constant vigil and monitoring in order to prevent any escalation of violence,” the government informed.
Meanwhile, in East Garo Hills, certain shops in Williamnagar Bazar have been permitted to open from 6am to 1pm. The relaxation is only applicable to shops dealing with food and daily necessities or other essential commodities.
All other shops, such as those dealing in electronics, clothing, footwear, hardware, etc, shall remain closed until further orders. Vegetable vendors will continue to operate from the Parade Ground and not be allowed to sell their wares in the Bazar.
The district administration and police will continue to keep the Bazar under strict surveillance.
