Shillong: More than 27 people, including former GHADC member Sofiur Rahman, were arrested on Monday in connection with violent protests against the participation of non-tribals in district council elections, as the Meghalaya govt stepped up its crackdown in the Garo Hills.Deputy CM and home (police) in charge Prestone Tynsong confirmed the arrests and said more action could follow. “We leave it to the police to see that such incidents should not reoccur in the future,” he told the media.Rahman, a former representative of the Balachanda constituency, was arrested from his residence at New Bhaitbari under Rajabala Police Station in West Garo Hills by a special team from Tura Police Station. He was booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act.West Garo Hills SP Abraham T Sangma said Rahman was arrested on charges of inciting communal disharmony. Police alleged he had made several social media posts that fuelled tensions in the region.Multiple FIRs have also been registered against Rahman and former MLA SG Esmatur Mominin, accusing them of making inflammatory statements that allegedly triggered the violence.Amid continuing unrest, the West Garo Hills district administration extended curfew from 6 am on March 17 to 6am on March 18, citing fresh incidents of violence and threats to public safety.
