GHADC polls postponed after violence in West Garo Hills

The Meghalaya government has postponed the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) that were scheduled to be held on April 10, 2026, following violent clashes in West Garo Hills that left two people dead.
According to Assam Times, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced the decision on Wednesday, saying the state government reviewed the prevailing law-and-order situation in the Garo Hills region before deciding to defer the polls.
The unrest erupted during the nomination process in Chibinang in West Garo Hills, where clashes broke out between groups supporting and opposing the participation of non-tribal candidates in the GHADC elections. Two persons were killed after security forces opened fire while trying to control the mob.
Authorities imposed curfew in parts of West Garo Hills, suspended mobile internet services, and deployed additional security forces to prevent further escalation.
The GHADC elections were meant to elect 29 members of the council, with counting earlier scheduled for April 14.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya government said a new date for the elections will be announced after the situation stabilizes. Officials indicated that restoring peace and ensuring a secure environment for voters and candidates remains the priority before the polls are rescheduled.
Sangma appeals for peace: Correspondent adds: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has appealed to the citizens of Meghalaya, especially of Garo Hills to maintain peace, law and order.
“Based on the prevailing situation Government has decided to cancel/postpone the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC). Further we will be calling all political parties and stake holders to discuss the different issues and try and work out solutions taking everyone onboard … once again I urge citizens to pray and maintain peace,” the Chief Minister posted on X.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge District Council Affairs, Prestone Tynsong informed that the state cabinet would meet on Thursday to decide on the future course of action following postponement of the April 10 Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections due to grim law and order situation in the region.
Noting that the prevailing law and order situation in Garo Hills is “very grim”, Tynsong urged Garo Hills residents — tribal and non tribal — to “be cool and calm” and invited stakeholders to discuss issues and share their views and opinions.
Tynsong, who also the holds the Home portfolio, expressed “discontent” over attacks, including one on an NPP office in Tura, and asked NGOs to help restore normalcy.
Meanwhile, the A•chik Baptist Dal•gipa Krima No. IV, a Garo Baptist Association based in Tura, has urged all residents to participate in a special prayer service aimed at restoring peace and harmony in the Garo Hills region.
In a statement, the church body appealed to the public to come together in prayer during this crucial time, emphasising the importance of unity, compassion, and mutual understanding among communities.
The Garo Mother’s Union, Tura has also appealed to the general public to refrain from unlawful activities such as vandalism and other antisocial acts, stating that such actions will not help achieve any positive outcome.
The Union further urged people to remain calm and work towards restoring peace, noting that the elections to the GHADC have been postponed, leaving sufficient time to follow due process and make necessary amendments regarding the rules governing who can contest the elections.
“Violence will not help achieve anything,” the Mother’s Union stated, adding that as mothers they wish to see lasting peace in Garo Hills and hope for a future where their children can prosper.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister announced deferment of the elections to the GHADC following violence in the region that left two people dead.
In a notification issued by Commissioner and Secretary District Council Affairs, Cyril Vincent Darlong Diengdoh, stated, “the Governor of Meghalaya is pleased to postpone the general elections to the GHADC, until further others.”
Restrictions on mobile date internet services of all providers have been re-imposed shortly after being lifted in the five districts of Garo Hills following fresh incidents of violence in West Garo Hills district on Wednesday.
Curfew has been extended for a further period of 48 hours within the entire jurisdiction of West Garo Hills district as there was no let-up in violence, while an indefinite curfew has been clamped in East Garo Hills district following vandalism in Williamnagar town on Tuesday.
An unruly mob also set ablaze the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) office at Hawakhana area under Tura Police Station, vehicles at Tura Guriamod Motors workshop, even as they broke into a liquor shop and lifted goods worth several lakhs of rupees.
Security has been tightened in other districts of Garo Hills to prevent any breakdown of law and order.