Shillong, May 8: The Meghalaya government has constituted a commission of inquiry to probe the violence and social unrest that erupted in the Garo Hills.
The unrest followed the filing of nomination papers for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) election on March 9, 2026.
The commission will be headed by retired judge Justice T. Vaiphei.
An order issued by the home department on May 4, shared with the media today, said the inquiry aligns with the provisions of the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952. The decision comes in light of the social disturbances, loss of human lives, and damage to property that arose from the incident.
The terms of reference for the commission are to investigate the circumstances that led to the violence in West Garo Hills, scrutinizing any acts or omissions by individuals or authorities. Additionally, the commission will delve into the root causes of the unrest and propose administrative and institutional reforms to prevent such incidents in the future.
Furthermore, the panel is tasked with recommending measures to assist individuals who suffered losses due to the disturbances.
The state government has set a deadline for the commission to submit its findings and recommendations within six months from the notification date.
As per the notification, the commission is granted the authority to formulate its own inquiry procedures and issue notices as needed.
Proceedings of the inquiry will be conducted in Tura unless otherwise directed by the Commission.
The notification further stated that provisions under Sub-Sections (2), (3), (4) and (5) of Section 5 of the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952 be made applicable to the panel, granting its powers available under the law for carrying out the investigation.
The commission is also empowered to seek assistance from officials, experts, or other bodies during the course of the inquiry. Expenses related to the Commission will be borne by the Commissioner of Division, Garo Hills.
