Army columns have been deployed in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district, amid the rising violence in the region, reports said on Tuesday.
It may be mentioned that two persons were reportedly killed after security forces in West Garo Hills opened fire to disperse an agitated crowd in the Chibinang area amid tensions over the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) election nomination process.
Defence spokesperson Lt Col Mahender Rawat said, “Army columns deployed in West Garo Hills on the request of civil administration and conducting a flag march.”
He, however, declined to share details such as how many columns have been engaged to restore peace in the area.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong clarified that the government does not have any plan to postpone the GHADC polls. He also added that additional forces have been rushed to ensure law and order.
Also Read: Two killed in police firing amid curfew in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills
Further, Commissioner and Secretary in charge of Home and District Council Affairs Cyril Diengdoh said the government has instructed all deputy commissioners, including the West Garo Hills DC, to convene peace committee meetings with community leaders.
“We have asked the DC to bring together all communities, hold peace committee meetings and appeal for calm,” Diengdoh said.
