SHILLONG, MAR 18: The Government of Meghalaya on Wednesday revoked the suspension of mobile internet services across all five districts of the Garo Hills, following an improvement in the law and order situation.

The decision comes a week after the state imposed the ban on March 11 as a precautionary measure amid violent unrest linked to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) election process. The disturbances, particularly in Tura, had resulted in casualties, property damage, and widespread tension.

According to an official notification issued by Principal Secretary in-charge Home (Political) FR Kharkongor, the earlier order suspending mobile data and internet services in West Garo Hills, East Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, North Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills districts has been withdrawn with immediate effect.

Officials said the restoration followed a review of the prevailing situation, which has shown signs of stabilisation in recent days.

The internet shutdown had been enforced to curb the spread of misinformation and prevent further escalation of violence during protests over a GHADC notification barring non-tribals from contesting council elections.

The revocation of the ban has brought relief to residents, businesses and institutions that were affected by the disruption of digital services across the region.

Meanwhile, the state government has postponed the GHADC elections, originally scheduled for April, to a later date to ensure restoration of normalcy and a conducive environment for the democratic process.