Shillong, June 13: Internet facilities on mobile phones were restored in the whole Khasi Hills region on Wednesday after 13 days of restriction to prevent trouble mongers from spreading rumours and fake news following an incident that occurred at Them ïew Mawlong on May 31.
The East Khasi Hills district administration also decided to impose only night curfew in areas under Lumdiengjri police station as well as in the entire Shillong city from Thursday until further orders.
On Wednesday, curfew was relaxed from 7 am to 6 pm in areas under Lumdiengjri Police Station, while night curfew remained in force from 9 pm to 5 am in the whole Shillong city.
Internet facilities on mobile phones was suspended since June 1​,​ following the spread of fake news on social media like whatsapp and facebook on the incident at Them ïew Mawlong on May 31, that led to a violent protest by mob at Motphran area demanding shifting of settlers from Them ïew Mawlong.
The violent agitation started after an exchange of words between a bus driver and a lady residing at Them ïew Mawlong on May 31 morning over the parking of a bus. The exchange of words led to the assault of the driver and two other persons by some men in the area.
Though the matter was compromised during the day on may 31, but the assault of three persons led volatile situation in Shillong particularly Motphran and Mawkhar from May 31 night and continued for five days.
The district magistrate of East Khasi Hills on Wednesday declared that curfew in areas under Lumdiengjri Police Station, which include, Jaïaw, Mawkhar, Umsohsun, Riatsamthiah, Wahingdoh, Mission, Mawprem, Lumdiengjri, Lamavilla, Qualapatty, Wahthapbru, Sunny Hill, Cantonment, Mawlong Hat including Cantonment Beat House areas (excluding localities beyond Umshyrpi bridge) has been further relaxed to 15 hours with effect from Thursday from 5 am to 8 pm. Only night curfew will be promulgated in the said areas with effect from 8 pm to 5 am until further orders.
Similarly, the district magistrate has decided to impose night curfew only for 7 hours from 10 pm to 5 am in the whole Shillong city from Thursday onwards until further orders.