Tura, March 9: The District Administration of West Garo Hills has imposed a night curfew in several sensitive areas of the district following protests by certain NGOs regarding the participation of non-tribals during the filing of nomination papers for the upcoming elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
The GHADC elections are scheduled to be held from March 9 to March 16, 2026. Authorities said the protests have raised concerns about possible obstruction or intimidation during the movement of vehicles and disruptions to normal public life.
According to officials, there is a likelihood that such actions could lead to a breach of peace, potentially resulting in disturbances to public tranquility, property damage, or incidents of violence. Recent developments have also led to apprehensions of communal tension between different community groups in the district.
The administration noted that areas with mixed populations in the plain belt of West Garo Hills are particularly sensitive, prompting the need for urgent precautionary measures to prevent any untoward incidents.
In response, District Magistrate Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS, has imposed a curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The curfew will remain in force daily from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. until further orders.
Under the order, unauthorized processions and unlawful assemblies of five or more persons are prohibited, and the carrying of arms or items that could be used as weapons—including sticks, rods, and stones—is banned in the identified areas.
The curfew applies to several villages under Hallidayganj Police Station, Phulbari Police Station, and Selsella Outpost/Tura Police Station. The curfew areas are Hallidayganj, Kasharipara, Charkasaripara, Lalmati, Konarchar, Sobribari, Kharigaon, Panbari, Tetultulia, Borojhora, Jewali, Bollonggre, Jeldupara, Boldamgre, Guaragre, Nawalgre, Gansenggre (Under Hallidayganj police station), Masangpani, Gudibala (Katmil), Gomaijhora, Demdema, Belbari, Babilgre, Songjalgre, Shyamding, Chibinang, Kokaimari, Batabari, Mengkakgre, Chandigre, Rongkhon, Takimagre, Old Bhaitbari, Rajpur, Babulgre, Bamundanga ( under Phulbari police station) and Chokchokia under Selsella Outpost (Tura Police station).
Authorities warned that any violation of the curfew order will attract penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other relevant provisions of the law.
Due to the urgency of the situation, the order was issued ex-parte and came into immediate effect on March 9, 2026.
District officials have urged residents to cooperate with the administration and maintain peace during the election period.
