Shillong, Mar 14: Situation in West Garo Hills district remained by and large peaceful, barring a few stray incidents reported from plains belt areas in the last 24 hours, Deputy Commissioner Vibor Aggarwal said.
“Except for isolated incidents reported from Batabari, which reportedly has been resolved, no reports of untoward incidents have been received from any part of the district during the day,” he said.
However, as stringent preventive measures to restore peace and normalcy, curfew has been further extended from 6am of March 15 to 6am of March 16, with a relaxation period from 6am to 6 pm on March 15, to facilitate normal activities.
Today, the curfew was relaxed from 9am to 3pm. People flock to reopened shops and stalls, going about their daily business amidst a palpable calm as law enforcement maintained a visible presence, ensuring order and stability in market areas.
Aggarwal said local communities continue to remain vigilant and a prayer service for peace continued for the third day at Parade Ground, Tura Bazar this evening.
“Peace Crusade” as it is called was held on the first day at Araimile Junction and at Hawakhana Junction on the second day. Today’s Peace Crusade was hosted by Balading Church, Babupara Church, Nikrang Ading Church and Akonggre Church while cleaning of Parade Ground premises was done by Puja Committee, Tura.
Aggarwal said forces continue to be deployed in all strategic locations in the district for security and safety, while the administration and police are keeping constant vigil and monitoring the situation.
Government employees have also been directed to exercise restraint on personal and social media accounts. An order requiring strict compliance was issued by the district magistrate prohibits posting or forwarding incendiary content that could provoke public reaction or resentment.
The advisory warns that violations will invite legal action and disciplinary proceedings under the Meghalaya Civil Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 2019.
Curfew in East Garo Hills District will be relaxed on Sunday from 6 am to 6 pm. However, Williamnagar market will remain closed, an order issued by District Magistrate RP Marak said.
The widespread violence first erupted in Tura during protests linked to the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), with demonstrators opposing the participation of non-Garo communities in the filing of nominations for the polls.
Two persons were killed and several others injured during clashes in Chibinang area.
The unrest led to incidents of arson and damage to property in parts of the Garo Hills region, prompting authorities to deploy 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.
The unrest prompted the government to postpone the elections, which were slated for April 10.
