Curfew restrictions in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills were eased for 12 hours on Sunday to allow residents to attend church services, even as authorities continued to enforce strict measures following recent violence that left two people dead.
An order issued by West Garo Hills District Magistrate Vibhor Agarwal stated that the curfew would remain in force for 24 hours from 6 am on March 15 unless withdrawn earlier.
However, a relaxation from 6 am to 6 pm was permitted to enable people to travel for church services and attend to essential activities.
The directive, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), noted that incidents of violence across parts of the district posed a serious threat to human life, public safety and property, making it necessary to continue preventive restrictions.
Authorities warned that residents must remain indoors during curfew hours and that violations would invite penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other relevant provisions.
In neighbouring East Garo Hills district, District Magistrate R P Marak also announced a similar relaxation from 6 am to 6 pm on Sunday to allow residents to attend church services.
However, officials clarified that the Williamnagar Main Bazaar would remain closed even during the relaxation period.
Essential services have been exempted from the restrictions. Personnel from the police, ambulance services, electricity and water supply departments, fire and emergency services, along with on-duty government officials and accredited media personnel, are allowed to move during the curfew.
The curfew was imposed after protests erupted over the eligibility of candidates in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
The demonstrations escalated into arson, vandalism and clashes in several areas, leaving at least two people dead and several others injured.
Multiple shops, establishments and vehicles were also damaged during the unrest.
Amid the deteriorating law and order situation, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, which were scheduled for April 10, would be postponed.
