Tura, March 09: To prevent communal instability and ensure public order during the upcoming General Election to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), the District Magistrate of West Garo Hills, Shri Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS, has officially imposed a night curfew across several sensitive areas in the district.
The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), comes in response to rising tensions and protests by certain NGOs regarding the participation of non-tribals in the nomination process.
The curfew is effective immediately and will remain in force from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily until further notice. Under this directive, uUnlawful assembly of five or more persons is strictly prohibited.
Unauthorized processions are banned. The carrying of arms, sticks, rods, stones, or any instruments capable of being used as weapons is strictly forbidden. The restrictions primarily target “mixed population” areas and the “plain belt” of the district where the risk of communal friction is highest.
Key locations under the curfew include, under the police station, Out post and major villages under Hallidayganj PS Hallidayganj, Kasharipara, Charkasaripara, Lalmati, Konarchar, Sobribari, Phulbari PS Kharigaon, Panbari, Tetultulia, Borojhora, Jeldupara, Boldamgre, Chibinang, Selsella, Tura PS Shyamding, Mengkakgre, Chandigre, Rongkhon, Old Bhaithari, Rajpur, Bamundanga.
The administration cited apprehensions of vehicle obstruction, intimidation, and potential threats to public tranquility. Recent incidents have sparked fears of communal clashes that could lead to injury or loss of property.
“Urgent precautionary measures are required to prevent any untoward incident,” stated DM Vibhor Aggarwal in the official order. He further clarified that any violation of these restrictions would result in prosecution under Section 223 of the BNS.
