SHILLONG, MAR 11: The administration of South West Garo Hills has directed government employees to refrain from posting or sharing social-media content that could inflame communal sentiments, as tensions linked to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections continue to simmer in neighbouring districts.

Deputy Commissioner Anendya Raajsshre issued an order on Wednesday instructing all heads of departments to ensure that their staff exercise restraint while using personal social-media accounts.

According to the order, government employees must avoid posting messages, photographs or videos that could provoke communal feelings or worsen the already sensitive law-and-order situation.

The directive also states that employees should refrain from posting or commenting on law-and-order incidents taking place in other districts or states in a manner that may influence public sentiment, ideology or trigger reactions among sections of society.

The administration said such posts could aggravate tensions amid the volatile situation surrounding the ongoing GHADC election process.

The order applies to all government offices in South West Garo Hills, with heads of offices directed to ensure strict compliance among their staff.

The Deputy Commissioner warned that any violation of the directive would invite legal action under relevant laws, in addition to disciplinary proceedings under the Meghalaya Civil Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 2019.