Army columns deployed in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills following violence

A column of the Army usually consists of 60-80 personnel. (Representative Image)

Army columns were deployed in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district on Tuesday after two people were reportedly killed when security forces opened fire to disperse violent mobs amid tensions linked to Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).

According to news agency PTI, security forces opened fire to disperse violent mobs amid tensions during the nomination process of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.

“Army columns deployed in West Garo Hills on the request of civil administration and conducting a flag march,” Defence spokesperson Lt Col Mahender Rawat told PTI. He, however, declined to share details such as how many columns have been engaged to restore peace in the area.

A column of the Army usually consists of 60-80 personnel. West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T Sangma said the incident took place in the Chibinang area, where a clash broke out between tribal and non-tribal groups.