SHILLONG, MAY 8: The Meghalaya government has constituted a one-man Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice (Retd) T Vaiphei to investigate the violence that broke out in Garo Hills on March 9 during the filing of nomination papers for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council elections.
According to a notification issued by the Home (Political) Department under the authority of Chief Secretary Dr Shakil Ahammed, the inquiry was ordered following reports of social unrest and violence linked to the nomination-day incident in Garo Hills.
The notification cited “the larger issues arising out of the violence and social disturbances and the subsequent loss of human lives and properties” as the basis for constituting the panel.
Invoking provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, the Governor has tasked the Commission with establishing the sequence of events that led to the March 9 violence in West Garo Hills and examining whether there were lapses on the part of officials or authorities in preventing the incident.
The Commission has also been asked to identify the underlying causes of the unrest and recommend administrative and institutional reforms to prevent recurrence of similar incidents in the future.
In addition, the panel will recommend relief measures, including financial assistance, for families that suffered loss of life or property as a direct consequence of the violence.
The Commission has been directed to submit its findings and recommendations within six months from the date of notification.
The inquiry proceedings will be conducted in Tura unless the Commission decides otherwise.
The notification stated that the Commission will have powers equivalent to those of a civil court under the 1952 Act and may seek assistance from government officials and subject experts during the course of the inquiry.
“All expenses related to the probe will be borne by the Commissioner of Division, Garo Hills,” the order added.