Meghalaya: Market, Students Union Office Set on Fire, Internet Suspended In West Garo Hills

Several vehicles were also reportedly set on fire in Tura

Digital Desk: Violence erupted in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya following clashes between Garo and non-Garo groups, leaving at least three people dead and several others injured.

The unrest is linked to the filing of nomination papers for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council elections. On 9^th March , a former MLA from Phulbari and several supporters reportedly travelled to Tura to submit nomination papers. Allegations later surfaced that miscreants assaulted the former legislator and others in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Tura and attempted to prevent non-Garo candidates from filing nominations.

Following the incident, the former MLA reportedly held a meeting at his residence in Chibinang, which led to heightened tensions among local residents. Later that night, an angry mob allegedly set fire to the office of the Garo Students’ Union in Chibinang and several nearby shops. As the situation escalated, police opened fire to disperse the crowd.

The situation worsened the next morning when an armed group of alleged Garo miscreants arrived in Chibinang, leading to fresh clashes between the two sides. According to unofficial reports, three non-Garo individuals were killed in the firing, while at least seven people sustained bullet injuries. More than 50 non-Garo residents were also reportedly injured in the attacks.

Tensions continue to prevail across West Garo Hills, prompting the district administration to impose a curfew until 5 a.m. on 13^th March. Government have also suspended internet services in the district to prevent the spread of rumours.

Meanwhile, miscreants reportedly attacked a night bus travelling from Guwahati to Mankachar, injuring two passengers. Several vehicles were also reportedly set on fire in Tura.

In neighbouring South Salmara-Mankachar district, internet services have been suspended indefinitely. District Commissioner Rahul Kumar Gupta said the decision was taken to prevent the spread of rumours following the violence in Meghalaya.

The unrest has also disrupted connectivity for residents of Mankachar, as the key road route passing through Meghalaya , their primary link to several parts of Assam , remains blocked, causing severe travel difficulties for locals.