TURA/SHILLONG: The West Garo Hills district has been placed under heightened security after the administration imposed strict prohibitory orders across 33 sensitive villages, following the brutal assault on NGO members in Goalgaon.
District Magistrate Vibhor Aggarwal, citing serious apprehensions of communal tension and possible retaliatory violence, has invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to maintain law and order and ensure public safety.
Under the prohibitory order, the affected areas will remain under tight security from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM, with the following restrictions in force:
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Ban on unlawful assembly: Gathering of five or more persons is strictly prohibited
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Complete weapon prohibition: Carrying firearms, sharp objects, sticks, rods, stones or any item capable of being used as a weapon is banned
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No unauthorised processions: Rallies, marches, or public demonstrations without prior permission are prohibited
The restrictions span large parts of the Plain Belt areas, covering the jurisdictions of Hallidayganj, Rajabala, Phulbari, and Tura police stations.
The district administration has acknowledged that the Goalgaon incident has triggered serious concerns of communal unrest between different groups, prompting preventive action to avoid any escalation or breach of peace.
Officials stated that the prohibitory measures are aimed at ensuring that the situation remains under control and does not spiral into wider violence.
33 Villages Declared Sensitive
The villages placed under surveillance and restriction include:
Hallidayganj, Jeldupara, Shyamding, Kasharipara, Boldamgre, Chibinang, Charkasaripara, Guaragre, Kokaimari, Lalmati, Nawalgre, Batabari, Konarchar, Gansenggre, Mengkakgre, Masangpani, Chandigre, Kharigaon, Sobribari, Gudibala, Rongkhon, Panbari, Gomaijhora, Takimagre, Tetultulia, Demdema, Old Bhaitbari, Borojhora, Belbari, Rajpur, Jewali, Babilgre, among others.
The District Magistrate has warned that any violation of the prohibitory orders will attract strict legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
With police patrolling intensified during night hours, the administration has urged residents to remain calm, avoid rumours, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
