Meghalaya: Weapons seized in Tura, curfew extended in West Garo Hills

Meghalaya police seized a cache of sharp and blunt weapons during intensified surveillance at a checkpoint in Aramile locality, Tura, on Monday night, detaining several individuals in connection with the incident.
West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham Sangma said the recovered items included machetes, hammers, catapults, and other lethal weapons suspected to be intended for use in the ongoing communal conflicts in the district. All weapons were confiscated, and the suspects were taken into custody.
During preliminary interrogation, the detainees reportedly confessed they were heading towards the plain belt areas of West Garo Hills under the instigation of an “ACHIK NGO” group. Sangma stated that police are investigating the possible motive and any larger conspiracy behind the movement.
Security has been further tightened across the district, which has witnessed violence over the issue of non-tribal participation in elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council. Police have urged the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest station or the Police Control Room in Tura.
Meanwhile, District Magistrate Vibhor Aggarwal has promulgated prohibitory orders under the BNSS, 2023, and the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act, 1990. The order bans carrying arms, explosives, or harmful objects, and prohibits activities such as organizing training camps, inciting violence, damaging property, or spreading inflammatory content. Exemptions have been granted for essential services and government officials on duty.
The order has come into immediate effect and will remain until further notice. Additionally, curfew in West Garo Hills has been extended from 6 am on March 18 to 6 am on March 19, with a relaxation period between 6 am and 6 pm on March 18.
So far, 29 suspects have been arrested for alleged involvement in violence across the district. Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong indicated that more arrests are likely as investigations continue.