Shillong: The two-day Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM) in the Garo Hills began at 5 am on Thursday, causing widespread disruption despite warnings from district authorities that the protest was “illegal” and violated a Meghalaya High Court order.
The demonstration, scheduled from 5 am to 5 pm on October 16 and 17, has been called by a coalition of pressure groups to oppose the GHADC salary payment system and the plan to run Tura Medical College under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
Chibinang town in West Garo Hills witnessed a complete shutdown, and normal life was heavily affected.
Soon after the NCM commenced, miscreants set fire to tyres near the Bokmagre petrol pump in Tura, with a similar incident reported in Dobasipara.
Ahead of the protest, the West Garo Hills District Administration had reminded the public on Wednesday that bandhs, strikes, and non-cooperation movements are prohibited under a High Court ruling.
District Magistrate Mary Lisa K. Marak invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which forbids obstruction of vehicles, carrying or concealing weapons such as lathis, sticks, stones, or firearms, and disruption of the lawful functioning of offices, shops, and establishments.
ALSO READ: Meghalaya CM calls for restraint amid Assam border tensions in Lapangap
The order also bans unlawful assemblies of five or more people intending to disturb public order.
Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma said adequate police forces have been deployed across the district to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents.
He warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone attempting to enforce the NCM or disrupt public order.
Unless withdrawn, the Non-Cooperation Movement is scheduled to continue until 5:00 PM on Thursday and will resume the following day.
