M’laya CM briefs Governor on Garo Hills situation

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday met Governor C.H. Vijayashankar at Lok Bhavan in Shillong to brief him on the prevailing law and order situation in the Garo Hills region.
Sangma, who had spent nearly two weeks in Garo Hills monitoring developments, said the situation required his full attention. “This required my full attention so I was there in Garo Hills and all this while I was only able to communicate with the Governor on the phone. Therefore I felt it appropriate that I must come and brief him about the current situation and the different incidents that led to the law and order situation that we faced,” he told reporters after the meeting.
Asked about arrests made in connection with the violence, the Chief Minister clarified that such matters fall under the purview of the police. “The police are taking steps as per law and as per evidence,” he stated, emphasizing that actions would be taken strictly on the basis of rules and available proof.
Sangma, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who is in charge of District Council Affairs, noted that violence had subsided and normalcy was gradually returning to the region. He further informed that internet services, which had been suspended in five districts, have now been restored.
The Garo Hills had witnessed heightened tensions following violent clashes between tribal and non-tribal groups over the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections. The violence, which erupted on March 9, resulted in two deaths, significant property damage, and the suspension of internet services.
The controversy stemmed from the GHADC’s decision to bar non-tribals from contesting elections, sparking widespread protests and clashes. In light of the unrest, the state government has postponed the council elections.
With the restoration of internet services and a reduction in violence, the government expressed cautious optimism about the return of peace in the region, while reiterating its commitment to maintaining law and order.