Shillong, May 8: The Meghalaya government has constituted a one-member Commission of Inquiry headed by retired judge Justice T. Vaiphei to investigate the social unrest and violence that erupted in the Garo Hills following the filing of nomination papers for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections on March 9, 2026.
According to an official notification issued by the Home (Political) Department, the Commission will examine the circumstances that led to the violence, identify acts or omissions by individuals and authorities, and determine whether there was any failure in preventing the disturbances.
The inquiry will also study the root causes of the unrest and recommend administrative and institutional reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future. In addition, the Commission has been tasked with suggesting measures, including financial assistance, for people who suffered loss of life or property during the disturbances.
The Commission has been asked to submit its report to the state government within six months from the date of the notification. Proceedings of the inquiry will primarily be conducted in Tura unless otherwise directed.
The notification stated that the inquiry was ordered under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, in view of the “social unrest and subsequent violence in Garo Hills” and the resulting loss of human lives and property.
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