SHILLONG : The Meghalaya government has constituted a one-man Commission of Inquiry headed by retired judge T Vaiphei to investigate the violence that broke out in Garo Hills on March 9 during the filing of nomination papers for the GHADC elections.
According to a notification issued by the Home (Political) Department under Chief Secretary Shakhil Ahammed, the inquiry was ordered following reports of social unrest, violence, and loss of lives and property linked to the incident in West Garo Hills.
The Commission has been tasked with examining the sequence of events that led to the violence and determining whether there were any lapses on the part of officials or authorities in preventing the incident.
The panel will also identify the root causes behind the unrest and recommend administrative and institutional reforms to prevent such incidents in the future.
In addition, the Commission has been directed to suggest relief measures, including financial compensation, for families affected by the violence and destruction of property.
The inquiry panel has been asked to submit its report within six months from the date of notification.
The hearings will be conducted in Tura unless the Commission decides otherwise.
The notification further stated that the Commission will have powers of a civil court under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952, and may seek assistance from government officials and subject experts during the course of the investigation.