Meghalaya governor calls special session of Garo Hills council

Meghalaya Governor C H Vijayashankar has convened a special session of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) on March 16 after 21 council members submitted a letter alleging that Chief Executive Member (CEM) Albinush R Marak has lost the confidence of the House. The Governor received the letter on March 14, signed by a majority of Members of District Council (MDCs) , and directed the session be held at 11 am at the council hall in Tura. The session will discuss the confidence motion under Rule 22(1) and take up other necessary business as per council rules.

The development comes amid rising unrest in the Garo Hills after a controversial notification barring non‑tribals from contesting GHADC elections sparked violent protests. Scheduled elections were postponed after clashes escalated, though the Meghalaya High Court later invalidated the notification. Violence in West Garo Hills led to at least two deaths and multiple injuries, with police firing to disperse unlawful assemblies.

Authorities imposed curfews and suspended mobile internet in affected areas to control the law and order situation . Additional forces, including the Indian Army , Central Reserve Police Force and Rapid Action Force, were deployed to restore peace. Curfews have been intermittently relaxed to allow residents to procure essentials, attend church services, and carry out daily activities, while preventive measures continue in sensitive areas ahead of election processes.

The unrest has reignited debates on tribal rights, electoral inclusivity, and demographic concerns. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) publicly backed tribal rights, linking the crisis to alleged “Bangladeshi infiltration.” Authorities have appealed to all communities to maintain calm and uphold peace as normalcy is gradually restored in the Garo Hills region.

This special session marks a critical point in Meghalaya’s political landscape, reflecting both governance challenges and deep-rooted social tensions that continue to shape the hill region’s future.