Shillong: With the situation gradually returning to normal in the restive West Garo Hills, the district administration extended curfew from 6am on Saturday to 6am on Monday as a precautionary measure to ensure no further deterioration in law and order.Essential services, including hospitals, pharmacies, utilities and emergency services, have been exempted from the curfew. Authorities allowed a relaxation from 9am to 3pm on Saturday and from 6am to 6pm on Sunday to facilitate public movement and regular activities.Deputy commissioner Vibhor Agarwal also issued an order directing all govt employees to exercise “utmost restraint” on social media. The order strictly prohibits posting or forwarding messages, audio-video clips, pictures or any content that may be “incendiary or provocative in nature.”“No govt employee/servant shall post or comment in any personal or social media outlet, channels, etc., relating to law and order incidents in other districts or states and relate the same to public sentiment, ideology, etc., which may evoke reaction or resentment among certain sections of society and potentially exacerbate the already tense situation,” the order specified.Heads of offices have been asked to ensure compliance, with Agarwal warning that violations would invite legal proceedings under relevant laws and disciplinary action under the Meghalaya Civil Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 2019.A control room has been set up at the District Disaster Management Authority office in Tura to monitor law and order and respond to public concerns. “Members of the public having any enquiries or requiring assistance may contact the control room at the dedicated numbers 6009926806/1077,” an official statement said.
