Shillong, May 8 : The Meghalaya government has constituted a judicial commission to investigate the violence and unrest reported in parts of Garo Hills following the filing of nomination papers for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections earlier this year.
According to an official notification issued by the Home (Political) Department on May 4, the state government has appointed retired judge Justice T. Vaiphei to head the Commission of Inquiry under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952.The inquiry has been ordered following reports of social unrest, violence and disturbances linked to the nomination process for the GHADC elections held on March 9, 2026.
The government said the commission would examine the circumstances that led to the incident in West Garo Hills and investigate the larger issues arising from the violence, including loss of lives and damage to property.Officials stated that the inquiry panel has been tasked with preparing a comprehensive fact-finding report on the actions or failures of individuals and authorities connected to the incident.
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The commission will also study whether there was any failure in preventing the violence and identify the root causes behind the unrest.In addition to examining the events surrounding the disturbances, the panel has been asked to recommend measures that could help prevent similar incidents in the future.The notification stated that the commission may propose administrative and institutional reforms to improve handling of such situations and strengthen preventive mechanisms.
The inquiry body has additionally been authorised to recommend suitable financial assistance for people who suffered loss of life or property as a result of the disturbances.The state government directed the commission to submit its findings and recommendations within six months from the date of the notification.According to the order, the proceedings of the inquiry will be conducted in Tura unless otherwise decided by the commission.
The notification further stated that the inquiry panel would have powers available under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952, including authority to formulate its own procedures and seek assistance from officials, experts or other bodies whenever required.Expenses related to the inquiry will be borne by the Commissioner of Division, Garo Hills.
The decision to institute a judicial inquiry comes amid continuing political and public attention over the violence that followed the GHADC election nomination process earlier this year.The unrest had triggered concerns over law and order, political tensions and the handling of the situation by authorities in parts of Garo Hills.
By appointing a retired judge-led commission, the Meghalaya government appears to be seeking an independent examination of the incident while also addressing demands for accountability and corrective measures. The inquiry is expected to closely examine the chain of events surrounding the violence and provide recommendations aimed at preventing future political unrest in the region.
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