Tura, March 10, 2026: The District Administration of West Garo Hills has issued a statement regarding the recent incidents in Tura and Chibinang, linked to the ongoing GHADC election nomination process.
The situation began when a non-tribal candidate contesting the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) election was assaulted by a protesting crowd upon his arrival to file his nomination. Police and security personnel promptly intervened, secured the candidate, provided medical attention, and escorted him to safety.
Following the incident, a tense standoff continued throughout the night between groups from the hill areas and the plains belt in Chibinang area. Through the sustained efforts of the police and district administration, the situation was prevented from escalating into a larger conflict, thereby averting further loss of life and property.
However, two persons were found dead during the course of the unrest. Their identities are yet to be confirmed and the exact cause of death remains unknown at this stage.
Authorities stated that the cause of death will be determined after post-mortem examinations are conducted. By morning, security forces successfully dispersed the groups involved in the standoff.
In Tura, reports were received of vandalism in a few locations and incidents of arson at several places. Fire and Emergency Services responded swiftly and brought the fires under control. No fatalities have been reported from the Tura area.
The unrest is understood to have arisen from protests by certain organizations opposing the candidature of non-tribal individuals in the GHADC elections.
In response to the situation, the district administration convened a peace meeting with religious leaders, senior citizens, and representatives of civil society organizations, including the Mothers’ Union. Participants appealed to all communities to maintain calm, avoid escalation, and work collectively toward restoring peace and normalcy in the region.
To ensure law and order, additional security forces have been deployed. These include five columns of the Indian Army, three companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), one company of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), and special forces from Assam.
As a precautionary measure, mobile internet services have been suspended across the entire Garo Hills region and curfew has been imposed until 12:00 AM of March 13, 2026, and the restriction may be extended if necessary.
The district administration has urged all citizens to strictly comply with the curfew and other lawful orders, maintain peace, and refrain from spreading rumours. Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found taking the law into their own hands.
