Meghalaya Board Postpones Two Class 12 Exams Amid West Garo Hills Unrest
Authorities in Meghalaya have decided to defer two Class 12 board examinations scheduled in the West Garo Hills district following recent outbreaks of violence in the area. The decision comes as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and examination staff.
Examinations Affected by the Postponement
The Meghalaya Board of School Education has confirmed that the Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) examinations for Music and Anthropology, originally set for March 11 and March 12 respectively, will no longer proceed on those dates in West Garo Hills. These papers will be rescheduled, with new dates to be announced in due course.
T.R. Lalu, the Board’s Director of Accreditation and Controller of Examinations, stated that the cancellation applies exclusively to the West Garo Hills region. All other districts across the state will continue with the examinations as per the original timetable.
Background of the Conflict
The postponement follows violent clashes between tribal and non-tribal groups in the district, which erupted over disagreements related to the nomination process for local council elections. Reports indicate that at least two individuals lost their lives in police firing during Tuesday’s confrontations. In response to the deteriorating law and order situation, authorities imposed a curfew and deployed military personnel to restore calm.
Safety First Approach
Officials emphasized that the decision to delay the examinations was driven by the need to maintain a secure environment for all stakeholders involved. With curfew restrictions still in effect across parts of the district, conducting examinations as planned would have posed significant logistical and safety challenges.
Scale of the Examination
This year, more than 29,000 students are registered for the board-conducted higher secondary examinations across the state. The board is expected to release revised dates for the affected papers shortly, allowing students in West Garo Hills adequate time to prepare.
Parents and students in the affected region have been advised to stay updated through official board communications. Meanwhile, candidates in other districts can proceed with their examination schedules without any changes.
The situation in West Garo Hills remains under close monitoring by state authorities, with security measures expected to remain in place until the area stabilizes. Further announcements regarding the rescheduled examination dates will be made once the situation improves and it is deemed safe to conduct the papers.
