Violent clash during nomination in Meghalaya, two people died…Internet services suspended, army deployed

Shillong: The seemingly peaceful West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya is in the grip of immense tension and violence these days. Bloody clashes suddenly broke out between tribal and non-tribal groups during the ongoing nomination process for the upcoming elections of Garo Hill Autonomous District Council (GHDC). The situation went out of control when the security forces were forced to open fire to control the violent mob. In which two local residents lost their lives on the spot. After this tragic incident, indefinite curfew has been imposed in the entire area.

Serious dispute regarding nomination between two communities

Let us tell you that according to Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma, the main incident of violence took place in Chibinang area in the early hours of Tuesday. Where a serious dispute had erupted between two communities regarding nomination. When the crowd became furious and started challenging the law and order. So the security forces opened fire to disperse it. During this time, two residents of Chibinang died due to bullet injuries. Police say that this action was taken to disperse the crowd. But the situation became quite tense.

Fire broke out due to attack on former MLA

The real beginning of this unrest was on Monday. When former Phulbari MLA Estamur Momin had reached the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Tura to file his nomination papers. The protesters attacked his car and him fatally. The main demand of the protesters is that no non-tribal person should be allowed to participate in this election. The tension between the groups is at its peak regarding this demand. Which has now taken a violent form and panic has spread in the entire district.

Internet services suspended with immediate effect

Considering the sensitivity of the situation, the Meghalaya government has suspended mobile internet services in West Garo Hills for 48 hours with immediate effect. This decision has been taken to stop the spread of misinformation and rumors on social media. Who were instigating violence. According to officials. The Internet was being used to mobilize crowds and carry out attacks. Although. Voice call and SMS services have been kept smooth so that people can keep in touch.

Asked for help from Indian Army…

Seeing the seriousness of the situation, Deputy Commissioner of the district Vibhor Aggarwal has sought help from the Indian Army. He has written a letter to the officers of Eastern Command with a special request to conduct ‘flag march’ by the army in the villages of the plains. The Deputy Commissioner believes that the presence of armed forces will create a sense of security among the local people and will help in preventing any other untoward incident. At present, strict and extensive security arrangements have been made at sensitive centres.

Last date for filing nomination 16 March

The last date for filing nominations for GHADC elections has been fixed as March 16. Whereas voting is to be held on April 10. This time the Autonomous District Council has passed an important resolution. Under which it has been made mandatory for the candidates to submit a valid Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate while filing nomination papers. This new condition and the opposition to the participation of non-tribal people has fueled the controversy. Due to which conducting elections has become a big challenge for the district administration.