Tura, Oct 16: The two-day Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM) called by a conglomeration of pressure groups across the Garo Hills region began at 5:00 AM on Thursday, leading to several incidents of disruption and shutdowns despite the warning by the district administration.
The NCM, scheduled for October 16 and 17 from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day, has been called in protest against the state government’s failure to clarify the GHADC salary payment system and its decision to run Tura Medical College under a PPP model.
Shortly after the NCM began, miscreants burned tyres near the Bokmagre petrol pump in Tura, while a similar tyre-burning incident was also reported in Dobasipara.
Chibinang town in West Garo Hills remained completely shut, with normal life heavily affected.
Tyre burning in Dobasipara area was also reported.
In anticipation of such incidents, the West Garo Hills District Administration on Wednesday had issued a reminder that bandhs, strikes and non-cooperation movements are illegal as per a judgment of the High Court of Meghalaya.
District Magistrate Mary Lisa K. Marak invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, prohibiting obstruction of vehicles, carrying or concealing lathis, sticks, stones, firearms or any lethal weapons, and obstruction of the lawful functioning of shops, establishments and offices. The order also bans unlawful assembly of five or more persons with the intent to cause such obstruction.
Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills, Abraham T. Sangma, said that adequate police forces have been deployed across the district to maintain law and order and to prevent any untoward incidents. He warned that strict legal action will be taken against any individual or organisation attempting to enforce the NCM or disturb public order.
The Non-Cooperation Movement will continue until 5:00 PM today and resume again tomorrow unless withdrawn.
 called by a conglomeration of pressure groups across the Garo Hills region began at 5:00 AM on Thursday, leading to several incidents of disruption and shutdowns despite the warning by the district administration.){kind=link}