Tura Tension: DC Orders Night Curfew Following Attack on Former MLA

A former legislator, SG Esmatur Mominin, along with his supporters, faced an assault by unidentified individuals in Tura while attempting to file nominations for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections. This incident led to the West Garo Hills district administration imposing a night curfew, which is effective from 6 PM to 6 AM under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), targeting sensitive areas including Phulbari, Rajabala, Hallidayganj, and Tikrikilla police station jurisdictions. The curfew prohibits unauthorized processions, unlawful assemblies of five or more individuals, and the carrying of weapons such as sticks and stones.

Mominin attempted to submit his nomination papers at the Deputy Commissioner’s office early on Monday, despite a recent GHADC order requiring candidates to have a Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate. Following the initial assault at the DC’s office, a second group of his supporters was attacked near Hawakhana. The former MLA withdrew his nomination attempt and is contemplating seeking judicial intervention from the High Court of Meghalaya.

In response to the unrest surrounding the GHADC nomination process, the Meghalaya government has also enacted a 48-hour suspension of internet services across the West Garo Hills district, starting from midnight on March 10, to mitigate communal tensions. The situation in the area remains tense, but authorities are engaging in mediation efforts to restore peace. The nomination process for the GHADC elections commenced on March 10 and is scheduled to continue until March 16.