Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma met Governor C.H. Vijayashankar on Thursday and apprised him of the improving law and order situation in Garo Hills. The chief minister, who had camped in Tura for nearly two weeks and was engaged with various stakeholders, reported to the governor that violence has largely subsided, with only sporadic incidents occurring. Normal daily life has resumed while the internet ban was lifted on Wednesday following a situation review, though close monitoring continues to prevent flare-ups. Police have so far arrested at least two pressure group leaders, Johny A. Marak of ACHIK and Balkarin Marak of the Garo State Movement Committee (GSMC) in connection with the violence. The governor took note of the update provided by the chief minister and said he was aware of the situation in Garo Hills.
The unrest in West Garo Hills was triggered by protests over a notification issued by the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council on mandatory ST certificates that effectively barred non-tribals from contesting the GHADC elections. Subsequently, clashes between tribal Garo groups and non-tribal communities, particularly Bengali-speaking Muslims, erupted in the plains belt areas.
The High Court of Meghalaya thereafter quashed the notification while the government indefinitely postponed the elections scheduled on April 10 and extended the GHADC term by six months (to October 18, 2026) to allow consultations and restore peace. Speaking to media persons later, Sangma, who was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister (Home) Prestone Tynsong, said the arrest of pressure group leaders in connection with the communal violence in Garo Hills was a matter taken up by police, asserting that the government has no direct role in the process.
Maintaining that law enforcement agencies are acting independently, Sangma said action is being taken based on evidence and existing legal provisions. He said that he was not aware of the number of arrests made or the individuals involved, stating that such details fall within the domain of the police. The clarification comes amid criticism from the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organizations (CoMSO), which on Wednesday expressed concern over the arrests. CoMSO has cautioned that the arrest of NGO leaders could heighten tensions and affect public trust, urging a measured approach to handling the situation.