Army columns deployed in Meghalaya district after 2 killed in police firing

Following election-related violence, a curfew has been imposed and mobile internet services suspended in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district.

Army was deployed in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district, where two persons were killed in firing by security forces after clashes broke out between two groups, officials said.

Security forces opened fire to disperse violent mobs amid tensions during the nomination process of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, they said.

"Army columns deployed in West Garo Hills on the request of civil administration and conducting a flag march," Defence spokesperson Lt Col Mahender Rawat told PTI.

He, however, declined to share details such as how many columns have been engaged to restore peace in the area.

A column of the Army usually consists of 60-80 personnel.

West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T Sangma said the incident took place in the Chibinang area, where a clash broke out between tribal and non-tribal groups.

2 killed in police 'firing' during curfew

Two persons were killed when security forces opened fire to disperse violent mobs in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district early Tuesday amid tensions over the GHADC election nomination process, officials said.

West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T Sangma said the incident took place in the Chibinang area, where a clash broke out between tribal and non-tribal groups.

"The two persons who died were residents of Chibinang. There was a clash between tribals and non-tribals regarding the GHADC elections, and the firing occurred while we were dispersing an unlawful assembly," Sangma said.

He said the situation in the area is currently under control.

The district administration has clamped curfew for the entire day on Tuesday across West Garo Hills to prevent further escalation of tension.

"We have sought additional forces, and they are on the way," the SP said.

The incident came hours after the Meghalaya government ordered a 48-hour suspension of mobile internet services in the district from March 10 following reports of mobilisation, assaults and circulation of misinformation on social media that could threaten law and order during the nomination process.

Voice calls and SMS services, however, remain unaffected.

Security has been reinforced at nomination centres as filing of nomination papers for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections will continue till March 16.

Election controversy

The unrest began after former legislator from Phulbari, Estamur Momin, was allegedly assaulted by protesters when he arrived at the deputy commissioner's office in Tura on Monday to file his nomination for the GHADC polls scheduled to be held on April 10.

Protesters were demanding that non-tribals refrain from contesting or participating in the GHADC elections.

On February 17, the executive committee of the GHADC had passed a resolution making it mandatory for candidates to produce valid Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates while filing nominations.