Shillong, March 12 The situation in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district remained tense on Thursday morning following overnight arson and looting, officials said.
Residents in several localities of Tura town kept vigil throughout the night to safeguard their neighborhoods after incidents of looting, vandalism, and arson were reported, they said.
Miscreants looted, vandalized, and set fire to several properties, including shops, in different areas of the town, prompting residents to organize themselves and guard their neighborhoods to prevent further damage, a senior police officer said.
Among the establishments that were targeted was a liquor store in Tura, allegedly belonging to a family member of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. It was looted by miscreants on Wednesday night.
Sources said that some anti-social elements attempted to take advantage of the volatile situation by entering residential areas and engaging in unlawful activities. In response, community members from several parts of the town voluntarily remained on vigil throughout the night to protect their homes, businesses, and neighborhoods.
Officials said that community stakeholders and church leaders have initiated efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the region.
Violence erupted in West Garo Hills during protests linked to the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), with demonstrators opposing the participation of non-Garo communities in the filing of nominations for the polls.
Two persons were killed and several others were injured when police opened fire to disperse a mob during clashes in the Chibinang area on Tuesday, officials said.
The unrest also led to incidents of arson and damage to property in parts of the Garo Hills region, prompting authorities to deploy additional security forces, including five columns of the Army -- three in Tura town and two in Chibinang -- to restore order.
In the wake of the violence, the chief minister on Wednesday announced the postponement of the GHADC elections that were scheduled to be held on April 10.
The state government has also suspended mobile internet services across five districts of the Garo Hills region as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of rumors and maintain law and order, officials added.
Curfew continued to remain in force in West Garo Hills district and has been extended till midnight of Thursday as authorities stepped up security to maintain law and order.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner V Aggarwal told
Additional security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas across the Garo Hills region to prevent any fresh flare-up, officials said.
Meanwhile, in neighbouring East Garo Hills district, authorities relaxed the curfew on Thursday from 8 am to 1 pm to allow residents to procure essential items.
