The comprehensive curfew imposed in Meghalaya’s East and West Garo Hills districts was eased on Thursday to allow people to purchase essential items, officials said.
The curfew in East Jaro Hills has been relaxed by five hours from 8am to 1pm, while the curfew in West Jaro Hills has been relaxed by two hours from 2pm to 4pm.
The region’s administrations said that the relief allowed residents to purchase basic goods.
The curfew was imposed in the two areas under Section 163 of the BNSS after violence broke out in West Garo Hills during protests linked to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, with protesters opposing the participation of non-Garo communities in filing nominations for the elections.
Read also: The Meghalaya Board postpones two Class XII examinations in the violence-hit West Garo Hills district
Two people were killed and several others were injured when police opened fire to disperse a mob during clashes in the Chipinang district on Tuesday, officials said.
The unrest led to incidents of arson and property damage in parts of the Garo Hills district, prompting authorities to deploy additional security forces, including five army columns – three in Tora town and two in Chipinang – to restore order.
Prime Minister Conrad Sangma visited Tora on Thursday, during which he reviewed the security situation and held meetings with the West Jaro Hills Deputy Commissioner, as well as senior officers of the Army and the Rapid Action Force.
Sangma also interacted with local residents and visited several sites damaged during the violence, including burned shops, destroyed roadside market sheds and the National People’s Party (NPP) office, which was partially damaged by arson.
In a video statement, the Prime Minister described the acts of vandalism and arson targeting the party office as unfortunate and assured people that those responsible would face strict action under the law.
He said that the party will rebuild the damaged office and will continue to strengthen its organization, stressing that the New Patriotic Party “lives in the hearts of the people” and cannot be weakened by such attacks.
Following the violence, Sangma on Wednesday announced the postponement of the GHADC elections that were scheduled to be held on April 10.
The state government has also suspended mobile internet services across five areas in Garo Hills district as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of rumors and maintain law and order, the officials added.
