Tension gripped parts of West Garo Hills district in Meghalaya on Wednesday, March 11, after a large crowd gathered amid rumours linked to the filing of nomination papers for the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, leaving at least two persons reportedly injured, after allegedly clashing with security forces. According to reports, the unrest began when a massive crowd assembled outside members’ hostel in Tura and later marched towards the Deputy Commissioner’s office, raising slogans and delivering speeches.
The gathering was reportedly triggered by rumours that Muslim candidates were arriving to file nomination papers for the GHADC polls, leading to heightened tensions in the locality. The situation escalated as the crowd moved through several locations in the area, including a mosque and an office of the National People’s Party (NPP). Authorities said it is being alleged that the NPP office structure was set on fire by members of the agitating mob, while nearby establishments also faced disturbances as tensions intensified.
As the situation threatened to spiral out of control, security forces intervened and resorted to blank firing and the use of tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Amid the chaos and confrontation, two persons were reportedly injured. In response to the unrest, the district administration imposed curfew restrictions, which officials said will remain in force until midnight of March 13 as a precautionary measure to prevent further escalation.