Meghalaya tensions escalate: CM refuses to leave home, curfew partially relaxed

Violence linked to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections has triggered a tense security situation in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills region, prompting authorities to tighten security and briefly consider relocating Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma after intelligence inputs warned of a possible attack on his residence .

According to the chief minister, security agencies received information that several groups were heading towards his residence in Tura , the headquarters of West Garo Hills district, allegedly planning to burn down the house and attack his family . Based on these inputs and standard security protocol, officials advised Sangma to move to a safer location.

However, Sangma said he refused to relocate , stating that he would not be intimidated by threats.

The violence erupted during protests related to the GHADC elections after demonstrators opposed the participation of non Garo communities in filing nomination papers. Tensions escalated in the Chibinang area of West Garo Hills on Tuesday when clashes broke out between protesters and police.

Police opened fire to disperse the crowd, leaving two people dead and several others injured , officials said. The unrest also triggered incidents of arson and damage to property in parts of the Garo Hills region, raising fears of wider disturbances.

To prevent further escalation, authorities imposed curfews in several areas and deployed additional security forces. Five columns of the Army were stationed in key locations, including Tura and Chibinang, to maintain order.

In neighbouring East Garo Hills district, a total curfew imposed under Section 163 of the BNSS was relaxed from 8 am to 1 pm on Thursday to allow residents to purchase essential commodities. East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner R P Marak said the relaxation was granted while security forces continued to maintain a strict vigil in sensitive areas.

The state government has also suspended mobile internet services across five districts in the Garo Hills region to prevent the spread of rumours and maintain law and order. Amid the escalating tensions, the Meghalaya government has postponed the GHADC elections , which were originally scheduled for April 10.

In a video message, Sangma said he was not afraid of threats and would continue to serve the people. Invoking the legacy of his father, former Lok Sabha Speaker P. A. Sangma , he said he drew strength from his father’s courage and remained committed to the welfare of the people.

“I was advised to move to another place as part of the security protocol, but I chose not to leave. I am not afraid ,” he said, appealing to citizens to maintain calm and resolve differences through dialogue instead of violence .