Curfew relaxed in violence-hit Garo Hills as situation improves

With no untoward events reported during the curfew relaxation in violence-hit areas of East and West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya on Thursday, authorities have relaxed curfew to allow people to buy essential commodities. Internet on mobile telephones, however, remained suspended.
The law and order situation in Tura, headquarters of West Garo Hills district, which witnessed large-scale acts of violence, arson, looting and assault, was gradually returning to normal.
“The situation in Tura is under control. Curfew was relaxed for two hours from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday in all areas of West Garo Hills district to facilitate public to purchase the essential items including medicines and food items,” Vibhor Aggarwal, the district magistrate said.
Similarly, curfew was relaxed from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday in East Garo Hills district to allow people to procure essential items, officials said.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya police arrested 12 people in connection with arsons, looting and disrupting of public order in Tura.
“We have arrested 12 people so far in connection with the violence in Tura alone. We are still on the lookout for more involved in the recent violent acts,” Abraham T. Sangma, the district police chief of West Garo Hills, said.
“As of now, the situation is under control. No new incident of violence was reported from anywhere in the district, but we are not taking chances and all security personnel have been instructed to be on a high alert to prevent any mischief acts,” the police official said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma went around Tura town on Thursday and directed the district administration to provide food assistance to communities affected by the disturbances.
After inspecting areas where shops and structures were damaged, he also assured residents of necessary government support to those affected.
“Visited several locations in Tura to assess the damage caused to public and private properties across the town. It is truly heartbreaking to witness the extent of the destruction. Distressed to see the loss suffered by individuals and commercial establishments,” the Chief Minister said.
He appealed to all to work towards restoring peace.
The unrest had begun with protests opposing the participation of non-tribals in the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), prompting the government to postpone the polls, which were slated for April 10.