Guwahati: Authorities in Meghalaya eased the full curfew in East Garo Hills district on Thursday, allowing residents to go out between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. to buy essential supplies, officials said.
The curfew had been put in place under Section 163 of the BNSS after concerns arose about potential disturbances following violence in the neighboring West Garo Hills district two days earlier.
Deputy Commissioner of East Garo Hills, R P Marak, stated that the temporary relaxation was intended to let people access necessary commodities, while security personnel continued to monitor sensitive areas closely.
The violence in West Garo Hills erupted during protests related to the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, triggered by opposition to nominations filed by non-Garo communities.
Officials reported that clashes in the Chibinang area on Tuesday (March 10, 2026) led to police opening fire to disperse the crowd, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to several others.
The unrest also included arson and property damage in parts of the Garo Hills, prompting authorities to deploy additional security forces. Five Army columns were sent, three stationed in Tura and two in Chibinang, to help restore stability.
In response to the turmoil, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced on Wednesday (March 11, 2026) that the GHADC elections, originally set for April 10, would be postponed.
As a preventive measure, the state government has also suspended mobile internet services in five Garo Hills districts to curb the spread of rumors and maintain law and order, officials added.