Event Summary
On 10 March 2026, authorities imposed a 24‑hour curfew and suspended mobile internet for 48 hours in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, following violence during the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) election nomination process. The unrest stemmed from a controversial notification barring non-tribal candidates from contesting the April 10 GHADC elections. Shops were vandalised in Chibinang, and clashes erupted over rules requiring candidates to submit valid Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates. The violence escalated on 9 March 2026 and resulted in two deaths and widespread unrest. Security forces were deployed, and peace meetings ordered to restore calm.
The requirement for valid ST certificates excludes non-tribal candidates, there by narrowing representation of these groups and limiting diversity in decision-making structures. This exclusion reduces the inclusiveness of civic culture and public discourse, as minority voices are prevented from participating in governance processes.
The curfew and internet suspension imposed in response to the unrest in West Garo Hills further restricts fundamental freedoms and digital access, undermining civic participation and monitoring, thereby weakening the enabling environment for civil society.