Picture Credit : @SangmaConrad/X
Army was deployed in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district, where two persons were killed in firing by security forces after clashes broke out between two groups, officials said.
Security forces opened fire to disperse violent mobs amid tensions during the nomination process of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, they said.
“Army columns deployed in West Garo Hills on the request of civil administration and conducting a flag march,” Defence spokesperson Lt Col Mahender Rawat told PTI.
He, however, declined to share details such as how many columns have been engaged to restore peace in the area.
A column of the Army usually consists of 60-80 personnel.
West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T Sangma said the incident took place in the Chibinang area, where a clash broke out between tribal and non-tribal groups.
Megahalya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma took to x and wrote ,
At this critical juncture I appeal to all our citizens of Meghalaya especially Garo hills to maintain peace and law and order. Based on the prevailing situation Government has decided to cancel / postpone the elections to the GHADC. Further we will be calling all political…
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) March 11, 2026
2 killed in police ‘firing’ during curfew
Two persons were killed when security forces opened fire to disperse violent mobs in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district early Tuesday amid tensions over the GHADC election nomination process, officials said.
West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T Sangma said the incident took place in the Chibinang area, where a clash broke out between tribal and non-tribal groups.
“The two persons who died were residents of Chibinang. There was a clash between tribals and non-tribals regarding the GHADC elections, and the firing occurred while we were dispersing an unlawful assembly,” Sangma said.
He said the situation in the area is currently under control.
The district administration has clamped curfew for the entire day on Tuesday across West Garo Hills to prevent further escalation of tension.
“We have sought additional forces, and they are on the way,” the SP said.
The incident came hours after the Meghalaya government ordered a 48-hour suspension of mobile internet services in the district from March 10 following reports of mobilisation, assaults and circulation of misinformation on social media that could threaten law and order during the nomination process.
Voice calls and SMS services, however, remain unaffected.
