Shillong, March 19: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday met Governor CH Vijayashankar to brief him on the recent violence in West Garo Hills that resulted in the death of two persons and damage to several shops and residential houses.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police) Bah Prestone Tynsong and senior officials.
Addressing media persons, Sangma said he had spent the last two weeks in Garo Hills reviewing the situation on the ground following clashes between Garo and non-Garo communities in the district.
He stated that while earlier discussions with the Governor were held over the phone, he deemed it necessary to meet him in person after returning to Shillong.
The violence reportedly erupted on the night of March 9 after sections of the Garo community opposed the participation of non-Garo communities in the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, scheduled for April 10, 2026.
In the wake of the unrest, the government postponed the elections and extended the tenure of the GHADC by six months.
On the law and order front, the Chief Minister informed that internet services, which had been temporarily suspended, have now been restored. However, curfew continues to remain in force as a precautionary measure to prevent further disturbances.
Regarding arrests, Sangma said he could not provide exact figures but assured that the police have been actively taking action against those involved in the incidents.
