AMN / Shillong
Normal life continue to remain affected for the fourth day in Meghalaya capital, shillong today. Curfew has been imposed in entire city following violent clashes in certain localities of the city. The District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills informed through an order issued today that in view of the serious breakdown of Law and Order in Shillong City the curfew has been imposed.
It will be in place from 4:00 PM to 5: 00 AM in the entire Shillong city. The order issued under Section 144 CrPC shall remain in force until further orders, the press statement issued by the DIPR said. Meghalaya Home Minister James Sangma has appealed to people to stay calm and said the government is doing everything to restore peace in the city.
A huge rush was seen in the city today following the announcement of the curfew. People came out in large numbers to buy essential items. Post afternoon people were seen rushing to their homes thereby leading to huge traffic snarls all across the city. Shops and other establishments were shut before the curfew came into force. Meanwhile, Centre today approved the deployment of six additional companies of paramilitary forces in Shillong.
Violence broke out last Thursday after two groups of people clashed after a bus handyman was allegedly beaten up by some residents. More than ten people, including policemen, were injured in the violence.
A delegation of youth wing of United Democratic Party led by its working president Paul Lyngdoh today met Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to discuss the prevailing situation in the city. Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Lyngdoh said that the Government should take measures to restore normalcy in the capital city.
The Army today for the first time carried out flag march throughout Shillong city. It is for the second time that the Army has carried out flag march in disturbed areas since the night of May 31st when the clashes broke out. Meanwhile, amidst various turn of events, a mob of over 100 today barged into the Meghalaya state secretariat in the capital of the city demanding resettlement of people residing in Punjabi lane area.