Shillong, March 21: Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma ( TMC) has sought a judicial inquiry into the violence in Garo Hills over non-tribals’ participation in the GHADC polls.
Mukul, accompanied by another TMC MLA Miani D Shira, also apprised the governor about the random arrest of activists in Garo Hills.
The full text below
A memorandum submitted to Shri C.H. Vijayashankar, the Honourable Governor of Meghalaya, today, the 21st March 2026 at Raj Bhavan, Shillong
Subject: Recent Law and Order Situation in Garo Hills on the run-up to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council Election 2026.
Dear Hon’ble Governor,
Please accept my heartfelt greetings at the very outset. I take this opportunity to draw your kind attention to the prevailing situation in Garo Hills Region of the state and place before you the following points for your considered and immediate action for the larger good of the people and the state as a whole.
1. Background:
It is respectfully submitted that a serious law and order situation has arisen in the Garo Hills region following;
(i) The unresolved issue of the demand of the Civil Society Organisation(s) representing the Garo Tribe to bar the non-tribals from contesting in the election to Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC);
(ii) The issuance of notification by the then CEM of Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) in relation to the issue related thereto;
(iii) Notification for Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) election 2026; and (iv) The illegal meeting held at Phulbari area by one former MLA which had wider ramification.
The development that unfolded thereafter led to widespread unrest and conflict among different groups in the region.
2. Present Situation:
a) The situation escalated into violence, resulting in the unfortunate loss of two valuable human lives due to clashes between rival groups.
b) The prevailing atmosphere in the all the districts of Garo Hills District had become tense and volatile.
c) It is further submitted that the situation was aggravated due to failure of timely and effective governmental inputs and lack of appropriate preventive measures at the initial stage of the law and order problem, which allowed the situation to escalate beyond control.
d) Furthermore, plots and criminal conspiracy by vested interest(s) including outside forces inimical to the Nation to create communal rift and law and order problem in the region cannot be ruled out.
e) However, it is pertinent to note that the situation has now started returning to normalcy owing to the timely intervention and proactive efforts of church leaders and senior citizens of West Garo Hills, who played a crucial role in pacifying the aggrieved groups and restoring public calm.
3. Concern Regarding Police Action:
It has been observed with concern that a general perception is being generated that law enforcement authorities are carrying out arrests in a random and indiscriminate manner without proper verification of facts or involvement.
Such actions may lead to miscarriage of justice, could aggravate public unrest, and
risk implicating innocent persons while the real culprits remain unidentified.
Arrests made merely to demonstrate action or to diffuse immediate pressure may further deteriorate the law and order situation rather than restore confidence among the public.
4. Need for Due Process:
It is strongly advised that:
Proper verification and investigation must precede any arrest,
Evidence-based policing should be strictly followed, and
The rights of citizens must be safeguarded in accordance with law.
5. Recommendation for Commission of Inquiry:
In order to ensure transparency, accountability, and justice, it is recommended that the Government constitute an independent Commission of Inquiry to:
Examine the circumstances leading to the issuance of the notification,
Investigate the causes of the clashes and resultant loss of lives,
Identify the real perpetrators involved in the violence, and
Fix responsibility for any lapses or negligence, including failure of timely intervention, on the part of public officials and authorities.
6. Conclusion:
In view of the seriousness of the situation, while it is encouraging that normalcy is being restored through community intervention, it is imperative that the Government continues with dialogue and engagement to take on board all the stake holders and instil trust and confidence while the issue is resolved once for all in the best interest of the people and the state and that the Government simultaneously takes immediate and balanced steps to ensure sustained peace, address administrative lapses at the initial stage, protect innocent citizens, and deliver justice in a fair and transparent manner.
Submitted for kind consideration and necessary action.
Yours faithfully,
Dr. Mukul Sangma, MLA
Leader of Opposition
