SHILLONG, MAR 9: The Meghalaya government has instructed all deputy commissioners including West Garo Hills — to convene peace‑committee meetings with community leaders and appeal for calm after a protest prevented a former legislator from filing nomination papers for the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) slated to be held on April 10.
Commissioner & Secretary in-charge Home & District Council Affairs (DCA) Cyril Diengdoh said additional forces will be deployed to ensure GHADC elections proceed smoothly.
“You have heard today’s incident. So, we had a review with all the DCs including the DC of Tura. We have told the DC to call all the communities and have peace‑committee meetings and appeal for peace. Those instructions have been passed out,” he told reporters.
He said the SP of West Garo Hills has sought more personnel and projections are being worked out with the DGP apprised.
“More forces will be sent,” Diengdoh assured.
The Commissioner & Secretary confirmed a report‑of‑crime has been filed over the morning obstruction.
“One of the candidates went to file the nomination … around 10 am… and the person was prevented,” he said.
The DC will submit a factual report on what transpired.
Asked about the GHADC’s order regarding mandatory Scheduled Tribe certificates, Diengdoh said the controversy “has gone to the High Court” and government will await its decision.
Nomination filing opened Monday (10 am–3 pm) and closes March 16; scrutiny is set for March 17.
No candidate filed papers Monday as parties collected forms after DC‑level briefings.
“There is no plan as such (to extend)… we are assessing the situation … we are waiting for reports, we will see as the situation unfolds,” Diengdoh said.
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