A former legislator and his supporters faced an alleged assault by unidentified individuals in Tura while attempting to file nominations for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, resulting in the West Garo Hills district administration imposing a night curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) from 6pm to 6am in sensitive areas. The curfew affects regions including Phulbari, Rajabala, Hallidayganj, and Tikrikilla police station areas, prohibiting unauthorized gatherings of five or more people and weapon possession.
Former MLA SG Esmatur Mominin arrived early to submit his nomination papers despite a GHADC ruling requiring a Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate but was attacked at the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Following this, another group of his supporters faced assault near Hawakhana. Consequently, Mominin has withdrawn his nomination attempt and is contemplating legal action in the High Court of Meghalaya.
To address rising communal tensions linked to the GHADC nomination process, the Meghalaya government has ordered a 48-hour suspension of internet services across West Garo Hills, starting from midnight on March 10. The situation remains tense, with authorities actively working towards mediation for peace. The nomination process for GHADC elections commenced on Monday and will continue until March 16.