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Violence Erupts in Garo Hills, Meghalaya, Amid Election Tensions

By AT News |

TURA, Meghalaya – March 11, 2026: Tensions surrounding the upcoming elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), scheduled for April 10, have triggered violent clashes in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, leaving two people dead and several others injured. The unrest has also resulted in widespread vandalism and arson in several areas of the district.

The tensions stem from a controversial notification requiring candidates contesting the council elections to possess valid Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate documentation. The rule has effectively prevented many non-tribal residents—particularly Bengali-speaking Muslims living in the plains belt areas such as Chibinang and Phulbari—from filing nominations.

Violence began escalating on March 9 when former Phulbari MLA S. G. Esmatur Mominin was allegedly assaulted by protesters while attempting to submit his nomination papers in Tura. The incident reportedly prevented him from participating in the election process.

Following the incident, mobs vandalized shops and set fire to several structures, including a market area and an office of the Garo Students’ Union. Clashes were also reported between protesters and security forces. Police initially resorted to blank firing to disperse the crowds, while mobile internet services across the district were suspended for 48 hours beginning March 10 to prevent the spread of misinformation.

The situation further deteriorated in the early hours of March 10 in Chibinang, where security forces opened fire to disperse violent mobs and unlawful assemblies during curfew hours. According to reports, one person died due to police firing, while another succumbed to injuries sustained during clashes between tribal and non-tribal groups. Several others were injured in the violence.

Authorities imposed a 24-hour curfew across West Garo Hills, later extending restrictions in certain areas until March 13 under provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

The unrest has largely been described as stemming from tensions between tribal and non-tribal communities over representation in the autonomous council. Tribal groups have supported the ST certificate requirement as a measure to safeguard indigenous Garo interests in the council, while non-tribal residents argue that the rule discriminates against long-term inhabitants and violates constitutional rights.

In response to the deteriorating situation, the district administration requested assistance from the Indian Army. Army columns were subsequently deployed to conduct flag marches in sensitive areas, including Chibinang, Tikrikilla, and Phulbari, along with nearly 37 surrounding villages. Additional security personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Rapid Action Force have also been deployed.

Officials said the situation remained tense but largely under control as of Wednesday morning, with security forces maintaining a strong presence and enforcing curfew measures to prevent further violence.

 


References

[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/meghalaya/meghalaya-west-garo-hil...
[2] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/army-called-out-net-bl...
[3] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/army-columns-deployed-in-megha...
[4] https://indianexpress.com/article/india/tension-meghalaya-why-garo-hills...
[5] https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/meghalaya-2-dead-in-we...
[6] https://www.etvbharat.com/en/state/many-people-in-police-firing-curfew-c...
[7] https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/army-deploys-in-meghalayas-w...
[8] https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/03/11/garo-hills-on-edge-two-killed-cu...
[9] https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Mar/10/two-killed-as-violen...
[10] https://www.syllad.com/meghalaya-govt-deploys-army-crpf-curfew-extended-...

Social media references (for context only): 

 X post on demographics and violence location: https://x.com/viprabuddhi/status/2031407627784302603  


 
Army deployment video mention (from The Meghalayan Express): Referenced in X posts like https://x.com/Bartholomew_46/status/2031422053417628051  

Arson-related video (general curfew/arson context, no confirmed masjid visuals): https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9fgYNbONNbA (titled "Curfew imposed in Meghalaya West garo hills")

 

 

 

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