Night curfew lifted in West Garo Hills as ‘normalcy returns’

The night curfew in parts of Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills has been lifted following an assessment of the law and order situation in the district, officials said on Thursday.
In an order issued on Wednesday, District Magistrate Vibhor Aggarwal said normalcy has been restored and the situation is presently under control, necessitating withdrawal of the restrictions in the interest of public convenience.
The night curfew – from 6 pm to 6 am under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 – was imposed on March 19 in parts of the district, following incidents of violence, including clashes between groups.
Tension had gripped the West Garo Hills after two persons died in clashes between tribal and non-tribal groups, police said.
With the lifting of the curfew, movement of public, functioning of shops and commercial establishments, and other lawful activities have resumed, subject to compliance with existing laws and regulations, the order said.
However, the administration has urged citizens to maintain peace, public order and communal harmony, warning that any act likely to disturb public tranquillity will invite strict legal action.
Law enforcement agencies have been directed to remain on alert and take prompt measures to prevent any breach of peace.
The situation in the district has stabilised with no major untoward incidents reported in recent days, allowing authorities to ease the restrictions, officials said.