TURA, : Two people were killed and several others injured in West Garo Hills during a police firing on Tuesday as authorities enforced a daytime curfew across the district in response to violent unrest linked to GHADC nominations and tribal status demands.
The deadly incident occurred in Chibinang when security forces opened fire while attempting to disperse what was described as an unlawful assembly, according to SP Abraham T Sangma. “They were residents of Chibinang… the firing occurred while we were dispersing an unlawful assembly,” Sangma said, adding, “The situation right now is under control.”
The violence erupted after supporters of former Phulbari legislator Estamur Momin clashed with authorities at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Tura. Protesters were demanding a ban on non‑tribal candidates contesting elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), in line with an order issued on February 17 mandating Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates for nomination.
In response to the escalating situation late on Monday, the state government imposed a 48‑hour mobile data shutdown across parts of West Garo Hills to curb unrest and prevent the spread of misinformation.
Additional security forces are being mobilised to the area, Sangma confirmed. Meanwhile, the district magistrate plans to convene a peace committee at the Circuit House in Tura later today to engage community leaders and calm tensions.
Authorities have urged residents to cooperate with the curfew directives and assured that investigations into the violence and fatalities are underway.