Two people were killed early Tuesday in Chibinang village, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, when police opened fire on an unlawful gathering during night-curfew hours, officials said.

The incident occurred amid rising tensions between tribal and non-tribal communities ahead of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections scheduled for April 10. Police intervened after a crowd assembled despite curfew restrictions, according to sources.

In response, the district administration imposed a full-day curfew across West Garo Hills and deployed additional security forces. This followed a night curfew (6 pm to 6 am) on Monday in 37 sensitive villages, amid protests by NGOs over non-tribals’ participation in nominations from March 9–16.

The state government also suspended mobile data for 48 hours from midnight to prevent the spread of misinformation and curb social media mobilization, while voice calls and SMS services remain operational.

Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal has convened a peace committee meeting Tuesday at Tura’s Circuit House, inviting church leaders, NGOs, and local committees. Security has been strengthened at nomination centers.

Tensions escalated after former Phulbari legislator Estamur Mominin was allegedly attacked by protesters at the deputy commissioner’s office in Tura while filing his nomination. Demonstrators have demanded that candidates be required to hold Scheduled Tribe certificates, following a GHADC resolution passed on February 17.