Shillong, March 9: The West Garo Hills district administration has imposed night curfew from 6 pm to 6 am in 37 villages under Phulbari, Hallideyganj police stations & Selsella outpost under Tura police station, on Monday.
The response was following the incident involving Esmatur Mominin who was prevented from filing nominations.
The order, according to the deputy commissioner,, was”In view of the protest by certain NGOs regarding participation of non-tribals during filing of nomination papers for the general election to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), 2026, scheduled to be held from 9th-16th March, 2026 in West Garo Hills District.
“And Whereas, there may be a possibility of obstruction or intimidation of movement of vehicles and there is every likelihood of disruption of the normal life of the people which is likely to cause inconvenience to general public. And Whereas, such obstruction or intimidation etc are likely to lead to breach of peace which may result in disturbance of public tranquility leading to injury, loss of property or riot or affray. And whereas, a few recent incidents have given rise to an apprehension of communal tension and a possible breach of peace and tranquility between different community groups in the district. And whereas, such incidents of tension may arise in areas having mixed population in the plain belt of West Garo Hills district. And whereas, an urgent precautionary measures is required to prevent any untoward incident in the district. Now, therefore, I, Shri Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS, District Magistrate, West Garo Hills, Tura in exercise of the powers conferred upon me under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), do hereby imposed CURFEW from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. prohibiting any unauthorized procession or unlawful assembly of 5 (five) or more persons, and the carrying of arms or any other instruments that may be used as weapons, including sticks, rods and stones in the sensitive areas of the following villages of West Garo Hills District:”, the order said.
