Shillong on Edge After Night-Long Violence, Curfew Imposed
Superintendent of Police (City) Stephan Rynjah also sustained injuries after he was hit by a rod and has been admitted to the Shillong Civil Hospital.
Shillong, June 2: Internet has been clamped down in the Meghalaya capital as the government is taking all steps possible to thwart the rumours being spread on social media. Curfew also remains imposed for the second day on Saturday after a night-long violence.
The clashes in Shillong erupted on Thursday after a bus handyman was allegedly assaulted by the Punjabi settlers in Them Metor area. The injured handyman was a local, belonging to the Khasi community. He was attacked following an argument which erupted over the parking of bus.
While the matter was initially "petty", claimed one police official, it escalated into a riot-like situation after several bus drivers and handyman, belonging to the Khasi community, charged towards Them Metro to attack the settlers.
The police claims a section of Khasi youth was provoked to attack the migrants after rumours of three local youths being killed was spread on social media. On the contrary, only one minor was injured who is currently being treated.
Security forces were stationed at Them Metor since Thursday night to prevent the attack on the settlers. On a couple of instances, the police also fire tear gas shells to disperse the rioters.
However, the situation went out of control last night, with over 10 people injured in the clashes which broke out. Superintendent of Police (City) Stephan Rynjah also sustained injuries after he was hit by a rod and has been admitted to the Shillong Civil Hospital.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has appealed for calm and directed the administration to initiate talks between the two conflicting communities and resolve the row between them.
Khasi leaders, however, have demanded the CM to evict the migrants from Khasi Hills region, accusing them of being incompatible with the local culture.
"Them Metor has become a den for anti-nationals and it is sad that several governments in the past have not taken initiatives to evict them and provide them space somewhere else,” said Wellbirth Rani, president of the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP).
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 02, 2018 03:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).