Fresh unrest erupted in Meghalaya’s Tura on Wednesday after several individuals gathered amid rumours related to the filing of nomination papers for the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
According to reports, the situation began when a large group of people assembled outside the Members’ Hostel in Tura before marching towards the office of the Deputy Commissioner. The crowd raised slogans and held speeches during the march.
The situation reportedly escalated when rumors were spread that Muslim candidates were arriving to file nomination for the GHADC polls.
As the crowd moved through different parts of the town, including near a mosque and the office of the National People’s Party (NPP), the situation reportedly turned volatile.
Authorities said it has been alleged that members of the agitating crowd set fire to the NPP office structure, while disturbances were also reported at nearby establishments as tensions escalated. Meanwhile, security forces were deployed to being the situation under control.
Further reports said that an agitated crowd also looted two liquor shops belonging to NPP MLA Sanjay Sangma.
Also Read: Mobile internet services suspended across Garo Hills Division in Meghalaya
It may be mentioned that Garo Hills region has been gripped by violence followed a High Court ruling that struck down mandatory Scheduled Tribe certificates for nominations, sparking protests against non-tribals contesting. Authorities imposed a curfew and suspended mobile internet services in five districts to maintain law and order.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday announced that the state government has decided to postpone the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) scheduled for April 10 in view of the recent violence that claimed two lives in the region.
Curfew has also been extended for another 48 hours, until 12:00 A.M. on March 13, in view of the prevailing situation.
