Tura, March 9 : The District Magistrate of West Garo Hills, Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS, has imposed a night curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in several sensitive areas of the district following protests by certain NGOs over the participation of non-tribals in the filing of nomination papers for the General Election to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), 2026.
According to the order issued on March 9, 2026, the curfew will remain in force daily from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM in identified sensitive areas of the district until further orders.
The filing of nomination papers for the GHADC elections are scheduled to be held from March 9 to March 16, 2026 in West Garo Hills district.
The District Magistrate stated that there is a possibility of obstruction or intimidation affecting the movement of vehicles, which could disrupt normal life and cause inconvenience to the general public. Authorities also expressed concern that such incidents could lead to breach of peace, communal tension, disturbance of public tranquility, and possible damage to life and property.
The order noted that recent incidents have raised apprehensions of communal tension between different community groups, particularly in areas with mixed populations in the plain belt of West Garo Hills.
To prevent any untoward incidents, the District Magistrate imposed the curfew and prohibited unauthorised processions, unlawful assembly of five or more persons, and carrying of weapons or objects that could be used as weapons, including sticks, rods and stones.
The restrictions apply to 37 villages under Hallidayganj and Phulbari Police Stations, as well as Selsella Outpost under Tura Police Station. The villages include Hallidayganj, Kasharipara, Charkasaripara, Lalmati, Konarchar, Sobribari, Kharigaon, Panbari, Tetultulia, Borojhora, Jewali, Bollonggre, Jeldupara, Boldamgre, Guaragre, Nawalgre, Gansenggre, Masangpani, Gudibala (Katmil), Gomaijhora, Demdema, Belbari, Babilgre, Songjalgre, Shyamding, Chibinang, Kokaimari, Batabari, Mengkakgre, Chandigre, Rongkhon, Takimagre, Old Bhaitbari, Rajpur, Babulgre, Bamundanga and Chokchokia.
However, the order clarified that the restrictions will not apply to armed forces personnel, paramilitary forces, and law enforcement agencies performing official duties.
Authorities warned that any violation of the order will attract penal provisions under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other relevant legal provisions.
The order has been issued on an emergency basis and has come into force with immediate effect to maintain law and order and ensure peaceful conduct of the election process in the Garo Hills.
