Curfew imposed, internet suspended after clashes erupt in Meghalaya
Shillong/UNI: The Meghalaya government imposed curfew here in the state capital of Meghalaya starting 2200 hours on Friday after clashes erupted at the Ichamati village bordering Bangladesh.
The government has also temporarily suspended internet services in six districts of the state - East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hill, East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills and Ri-Bhoi so as to prevent possible misuse of social media which could disturb peace and tranquility in the state.
These steps were taken after a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) activist Lurshai Hynniewta was killed and many others were injured after a clash broke out between two communities at Ichamati under Sohra Sub-Dvision on Friday.
Police officials said that the clash erupted when a group of non-locals armed with sticks and machetes cornered KSU leaders after a public meeting against Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and demanded implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Ichamati village.
The leaders of the KSU and Federation of Khasi-Jaintia and Garo People had organized an anti-CAA public meeting in Ichamati village.
“Curfew has been imposed in Shillong agglomeration and adjoining areas after information was received that there is a possibility of serious deterioration of law and order and there is every likelihood of serious breach of peace and tranquility and may lead to loss of life and property,” Deputy Commissioner in-charge East Khasi Hills district, Matsiewdor War Nongbri said.
Police officials confirmed that the clash started when a group of non-locals armed with sticks and machetes cornered KSU leaders after a public meeting against Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and demanded for implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Ichamati village.
Ms Nongbri also said that as of now the curfew which was imposed from 2200 hours on Friday would continue till 0800 hours on Saturday.
Ichamati village falls under the Sohra civil sub-division of East Khasi Hills district, and lies more than 85 kms away from Shillong.
Videos of a mob marching with sticks and machetes have also gone viral on the social media.
Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma held an emergency meeting with top government officials to take stock of the situation.
Also present in the meeting were the Home Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui, Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department, R.V. Suchiang, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Matsiewdor War, Director General of Police R Chandranathan and Superintendent of Police of the district, Claudia A. Lyngwa.
Home Minister Rymbui said that a magisterial inquiry has been instituted into the incident to find out what caused the clash. He said to contain the situation in the aftermath of the attack, the government has decided to impose curfew in Shillong, Sohra and Ichamati.
“We will see how the situation goes and if necessary it will be further extended. The internet on mobile phones will be temporarily suspended,” Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said.
Meanwhile, Governor Tathagata Roy has appealed to all citizens in Meghalaya, tribal or non-tribal to keep calm.
“Don’t spread rumours and don’t listen to rumours,” Roy tweeted.
Roy said that the Chief Minister has spoken to him and assured him that he is taking all necessary steps. “We have agreed that the prime requirement now is the maintainence of law and order,” he said.
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