Tura

Signs of normalcy are gradually returning to Tura after two days of unrest, with residents stepping out in large numbers to clean the streets as Conrad Sangma visited affected areas to assess the situation and interact with locals.

The Meghalaya Government chief minister directed the district administration to provide immediate food assistance to communities affected by the disturbances. Residents informed him that around 17 communities in and around the Araimile locality were facing shortages of rice and other essential commodities.

Sangma instructed the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills to coordinate with local development committees and prepare a list of affected households so that relief materials could be distributed quickly and fairly. He also inspected areas where shops and structures were damaged and assured residents that the government would extend necessary support.

Meanwhile, residents launched voluntary clean-up drives across several parts of the town. Community members, youth groups and local organisations were seen removing debris, broken materials and burnt remains left behind after the unrest.

The clean-up operations were carried out in markets and roadside areas, with people using tools and vehicles to clear roads and restore the surroundings, reflecting a strong sense of unity among residents.

The unrest began with protests opposing the participation of non-tribals in elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), prompting the government to postpone the polls. However, the protests were later hijacked by miscreants, leading to vandalism and arson in parts of Tura and Williamnagar.

Most of the damage in Tura was reported from the Araimile locality, where a building was set on fire and several shops were looted. In Hawakhana, the office of the National People's Party was ransacked, while a wine store and a motor spare parts shop were also looted.

In the Nakham Bazar area, a motor repair garage was burnt down along with several vehicles parked inside. A place of worship in the main market area was also vandalised and set ablaze.

Despite the damage, residents—particularly in Araimile—began clearing the streets early Thursday morning. Roads that had been littered with broken bottles, stones and debris were cleaned as people joined hands to restore normalcy.

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Authorities and community leaders have appreciated the residents’ efforts, noting that such collective action is crucial in restoring peace and stability. The district administration continues to monitor the situation while coordinating with local groups to ensure restoration work progresses smoothly.