Shillong, Nov 1: The Meghalaya High Court has asked the Meghalaya government to ensure that peace is maintained in areas which had witnessed violent protest earlier this year.

While hearing a petition filed by the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) here on Thursday, the single bench of Justice SR Sen in its order directed that the administration must ensure that peace be maintained in the disputed area.

The state government and other respondents were also asked to file their respective counter affidavits within four weeks.

It may be mentioned here that the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) had filed a petition seeking quashment of the notification issued by the state government for constitution of the High Level Committee (HLC).

The High Level Committee headed by deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong was constituted by the government on June 4, to find a permanent solution for relocation of the Sweepers’ Colony from Them Iew Mawlong.

The decision was taken after the five-day violent protest which took place following an exchange of words between a bus driver and a lady residing at Them Iew Mawlong on May 31 over the parking of a bus.

The altercation that led to the assault of the driver and two other persons by some men in the area, caused a volatile situation since May 31 night with unruly mob demanding shifting of settlers from Them ïew Mawlong.

Meanwhile, the next hearing on the matter will be held after four weeks for further order.