Guwahati: The Meghalaya government has decided to postpone the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), which were scheduled to be held on April 10, following recent violence in the region that left two people dead.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced the decision on Wednesday, citing concerns over the prevailing law and order situation in the Garo Hills and the difficulties faced by residents amid the unrest.
“Looking at the current situation in Garo Hills and understanding the challenges people are facing, the Government of Meghalaya has decided to postpone the GHADC elections,” Sangma said in a video message.
The announcement comes a day after two persons were killed in police firing during clashes between tribal and non-tribal groups in the Chibinang area of West Garo Hills district. The violence erupted during the nomination process for the council elections.
Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma said the incident occurred when tensions escalated during the filing of nominations for the local council polls.
Following the clashes, the situation in West Garo Hills remains calm but tense on Wednesday. Authorities extended the night curfew in the district until midnight of March 13 and continued the suspension of mobile internet services to prevent the spread of rumours and maintain public order.
The unrest has also affected academic activities in the district. The Meghalaya Board of School Education postponed two Class 12 examinations in West Garo Hills after the clashes. The music and anthropology papers of the Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) examination, scheduled for March 11 and March 12, have been deferred.
Officials said the examinations in other districts of the state will continue as per schedule.