Prohibitory orders in W Garo Hills after NGO members assaulted

Shillong: The West Garo Hills district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in several areas following reports of an assault on members of an NGO and apprehensions of tension.An order issued by DM Vibhor Aggarwal said the incident was reported from the Goalgaon area under Rajabala Police Station, raising concerns over a possible breach of peace and public tranquility in parts of the plain belt of West Garo Hills.The order said recent incidents of tension in mixed-population areas have reportedly arisen due to miscommunication, leading to growing mistrust among communities and heightened public anxiety.The administration said urgent preventive measures were necessary to avert any untoward incident.Under the prohibitory order, the assembly of five or more persons, carrying of arms, or possession of objects that could be used as weapons—including sticks, rods, and stones—has been banned from 6 pm on January 23 to 6 am until further notice in sensitive areas falling under Hallidayganj, Rajabala, Phulbari and Tura police station jurisdictions.The order covers 37 villages.The administration warned that violations will attract penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other applicable laws. The order was issued ex-parte and came into force with immediate effect.An order issued by DM Vibhor Aggarwal said the incident was reported from the Goalgaon area under Rajabala Police Station, raising concerns over a possible breach of peace and public tranquility