GHADC Polls Postponed After Violence in West Garo Hills

SHILLONG, Mar 11: The Meghalaya government has postponed the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) that were scheduled to be held on April 10, 2026, following violent clashes in West Garo Hills that left two people dead.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced the decision on Wednesday, saying the state government reviewed the prevailing law-and-order situation in the Garo Hills region before deciding to defer the polls.

The unrest erupted during the nomination process in Chibinang in West Garo Hills, where clashes broke out between groups supporting and opposing the participation of non-tribal candidates in the GHADC elections. Two persons were killed after security forces opened fire while trying to control the mob.

Authorities imposed curfew in parts of West Garo Hills, suspended mobile internet services, and deployed additional security forces to prevent further escalation.

The GHADC elections were meant to elect 29 members of the council, with counting earlier scheduled for April 14.

Meanwhile, the Meghalaya government said a new date for the elections will be announced after the situation stabilizes. Officials indicated that restoring peace and ensuring a secure environment for voters and candidates remains the priority before the polls are rescheduled.

If you want, I can also merge this with the earlier Meghalaya High Court ruling on non-tribals contesting GHADC elections to produce a more complete news story explaining the entire crisis.