Tensions Escalate in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills Amid Election Unrest

Unrest in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills, spurred by protests linked to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council elections, has led to looting, vandalism, and arson. Authorities are taking measures to restore peace, including additional security deployments and a curfew. The state has postponed the election and suspended mobile internet services.

Tension gripped Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district on Thursday morning following a night marred by arson and looting. Residents of Tura town organized community watches to protect their areas after criminals targeted shops and properties, including a liquor store linked to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s family.

Protests erupted linked to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council elections, with demonstrators opposing non-Garo participation in the polls. The chaos resulted in two deaths and several injuries as police fired on a mob in Chibinang. Authorities, working to restore calm, postponed the elections and halted mobile internet across five districts.

Curfew enforcement continued with added security forces positioned in West Garo Hills, extending into Thursday night, while neighboring East Garo Hills saw a brief curfew relaxation. Community and church leaders are striving to mediate and reestablish normalcy amid ongoing tensions.