Tura, March 10 : The District Administration of West Garo Hills has issued a statement regarding the recent incidents in Tura and Chibinang, which are linked to the ongoing nomination process for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
According to the administration, the situation began when a non-tribal candidate contesting the GHADC election was assaulted by a protesting crowd upon arriving to file his nomination papers. Police and security personnel quickly intervened, secured the candidate, provided him medical attention, and escorted him to safety.
Following the incident, a tense standoff continued throughout the night between groups from the hill areas and the plains belt in the Chibinang area. Through the sustained efforts of the police and district administration, the situation was prevented from escalating into a larger conflict, thereby averting further loss of life and property.
However, two persons were found dead during the course of the unrest. Their identities have not yet been confirmed and the exact cause of death remains unknown at this stage. Authorities stated that the cause of death will be determined after post-mortem examinations are conducted. By morning, security forces successfully dispersed the groups involved in the standoff.
In Tura, reports were also received of vandalism in several locations and incidents of arson. Fire and Emergency Services responded promptly and managed to bring the fires under control. No fatalities have been reported from the Tura area.
Officials stated that the unrest appears to have arisen from protests by certain organisations opposing the candidature of non-tribal individuals in the GHADC elections.
In response to the situation, the district administration convened a peace meeting with religious leaders, senior citizens and representatives of civil society organisations, including members of the Mothers’ Union. Participants appealed to all communities to remain calm, avoid escalation and work together to restore peace and normalcy in the region.
To maintain law and order, additional security forces have been deployed, including 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.
As a precautionary measure, mobile internet services have been suspended across the entire Garo Hills region, while curfew has been imposed until 12:00 AM on March 13, 2026, which may be extended if necessary.
The district administration has urged citizens to strictly comply with curfew orders, maintain peace, and refrain from spreading rumours, warning that strict action will be taken against anyone found taking the law into their own hands.
