Two killed in GHADC poll clashes as curfew, internet shutdown imposed in West Garo Hills

At least two persons were killed after security forces opened fire to disperse a violent mob in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district early Tuesday, as tensions over the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) election nomination process escalated.

According to West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma , the incident occurred in Chibinang area , where clashes broke out between tribal and non-tribal groups amid protests over the eligibility of candidates contesting the council elections.

“The two persons who died were residents of Chibinang. There was a clash between tribals and non-tribals regarding the GHADC elections, and the firing occurred while we were dispersing an unlawful assembly,” the SP said, adding that the situation is currently under control .

Following the violence, the district administration imposed a day-long curfew across West Garo Hills and deployed additional security personnel to prevent further escalation. Authorities have also sought additional security forces , while police and central forces have been maintaining strict vigil in sensitive areas.

The Meghalaya government had earlier suspended mobile internet services for 48 hours from March 10 to prevent the spread of rumours and misinformation on social media that could aggravate tensions. However, voice calls and SMS services remain operational .

The unrest is linked to a recent resolution by the GHADC requiring candidates to produce valid Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates while filing nominations for the council elections scheduled on April 10 . The move has triggered protests from groups demanding that non-tribals refrain from contesting or participating in the elections.

Tensions intensified on Monday when former Phulbari MLA Estamur Momin was allegedly assaulted by protesters while attempting to file his nomination at the deputy commissioner’s office in Tura .

The nomination process, which began on March 9, will continue till March 16 , with scrutiny scheduled for March 17. Security has been tightened at nomination centres, while the district administration has called a peace committee meeting with church leaders, NGOs and community representatives to restore calm and ensure the electoral process proceeds peacefully.

Autonomous district councils such as the GHADC, established under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution , play a significant role in tribal self-governance, with powers over land management, local taxation, customary laws and traditional institutions in tribal areas of the Northeast.