Shillong May 01: Police have arrested one person mainly involved in the assault of the driver of SPTS bus and two others at Them ïew Mawlong.
East Khasi Hills, Superintendent of Police, Davis N.R. Marak told reporters that the genesis of the incident that led to the unrest was some ladies from Them ïew Mawlong who were fetching water had some argument with the driver of the government-run bus in the area on Thursday morning at around 9.30 am.
“The ladies alleged that abusive words were used after which, a scuffle broke out between the driver of the bus and some persons from the area. After investigation, certain persons were detained and after questioning, the main person in connection with the assault of the bus driver and two others was arrested,†Marak said.
Stating that investigation is on into the incident, he said that action would also be taken against people who instigated violence.
The situation in Shillong city is tense and after the incident when unruly mob tried to march to Them ïew Mawlong.
During the day, the road from Motphran to Mawkhar witnessed continuous pelting of stones while police to use tear gas shells to disperse the mob.
A number of security personnel and stone-pelters were injured in the exchange of tear gas and pelting of stones by unruly mob.
Shops and business establishments remained close at ïewduh, the biggest market in Shillong as well as the main commercial area at Khyndai Lad.
The East Khasi Hills district magistrate has imposed curfew under section 144 CrPC in areas under Lumdiengjri police station including Cantonment Beat House area on Friday morning from 4 am until further orders.
“The areas under curfew include the whole of Jaïaw, Mawkhar, Umsohsun, Riatsamthiah, Wahingdoh, Mission, Mawprem, Lumdiengjri, Lamavilla, Qualapatty, Wahthapbru, Sunny Hill, Cantonment, Mawlong Hat (excluding localities beyond Umshyrpi bridge),†the order stated.
Imposition of curfew was necessitated to prevent serious breakdown of law and order in Shillong city especially Motphran, Mawkhar and adjoining areas and there is every likelihood of serious breach of peace which may lead to acts of arson, targeting vehicles and causing loss and property from today and the following days.
Meanwhile night curfew is being imposed from 10 PM to 5 AM in Shillong agglomeration with immediate effect until further orders.
A high level meeting to review the situation was chaired by the Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma on Friday in which Cabinet Ministers, Senior Civil and Police Officers attended. A meeting was also held by the Deputy Commissioner, attended by the MLAs and headmen of the affected areas, and various organizations in which it was unanimously agreed that all possible steps be taken to restore normalcy.
The government expressed its deep concern about incidents that took place during the intervening night of May 31 and June 1 arising out of a skirmish between some women and the driver of SPTS bus at Sweeper’s lane which led to the assault of three persons.
The injured persons were shifted to Civil Hospital and were released after first aid. The parties involved in the skirmish had arrived at a verbal compromise at Cantonment Beat House.
It has been observed that false news and propaganda played a vital role in raising tempers and inciting violence.
“The Government was committed to bring back normalcy to the city and all efforts have been made including deployment of more force to prevent miscreants from taking advantage of the situation. The members of the public are requested to remain calm and not to fall prey to rumours which are spread to create fear psychosis and to incite people to commit violence. The present situation will hamper students who are at the beginning of the session and who are seeking admissions in various institutions inside the State as well as outside the State,†a statement issued by the government said.
A criminal case has been registered in Sadar Police Station in connection with the incident in which three persons were assaulted.
Search is on for others involved in the crime.
A magisterial inquiry has also been ordered to inquire into the incident as well as to identify the elements spreading rumours and inciting violence.
The government also appealed to all citizens to maintain peace and extend help to bring back normalcy to the city at the earliest. (EoM)
