Curfew relaxed in Shillong, Internet Service Restored: Central Armed Paramilitary Forces, BSF, and CRPF deployed in the city

To a much relief to the people residing in Shillong it has been announced that the curfew clamped in Shillong Agglomeration is going to be relaxed from 6 AM to 4 PM tomorrow. The suspended mobile internet services will also be restored from tomorrow, according to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.

The peace committee formed by the state government and headed by the Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong will hold its first meeting tomorrow  as per the decision taken by the review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister here today.

The Chief Minister also informed that the Deputy Commissioner would be issuing necessary notification on the relaxation of the curfew hours.’

He further  informed that the state government had sought the support of the various stakeholders to restore peace and normalcy not only in Shillong city but also throughout the State.

Amid the violence that broke out in Shillong following the death of former HNLC leader Cherishterfield Thangkiew, curfew and ban on Internet services were imposed since Sunday evening.

However, the curfew was imposed for 33 hours but it further extended for another 24 hours till 5 am on August 18th.  In addition, the Government had also earlier extended the suspension of mobile internet services by another 24 hours to maintain the law and order situation in the state and take control of the situation without further violence.

The city wears a disserted look after the curfew has been imposed as violence took over the city in the wee hours of Sunday.

Earlier on Monday the Chief Minister Conrad Sangma informed that five companies of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces of BSF and CRPF are being deployed in the city.

“We have spoken to the home secretary. I (also) had a detailed discussion with Union home minister Amit Shah yesterday twice. He assured us of full cooperation and support,” the CM asserted.

On Sunday night few hours after the miscreants hurled petrol bombs in the Chief Minister’s Residence reports of a vehicle carrying CRPF Jawans was attacked by protesters in the Mawlai area in Shillong during curfew hours.

“Acting on reports of a large number of youths burning tires in the middle of the road in Mawlai area, CRPF personnel rushed to the area. The agitators pelted stones at their vehicle, prompting the personnel to use mild force to disperse the crowd”, a senior district police officer said

He said a vehicle belonging to a vernacular media house was damaged and its driver suffered injuries during lathicharge by CRPF Jawans.

In another incident, three police personnel from Mawlai Mawkynroh outpost deserted their INSAS rifles and fled into the nearby forest after being attacked by a mob.

However, the three police personnel were suspended as told by the Chief Minister on Monday. “For a policeman, the arms and the weapons they carry are as good as the parts of their bodies. They should never let go of their weapon. We are very firm on this and we will take firm action,” he said.

He appealed to the unidentified persons, who snatched away three INSAS rifles of the policemen, to immediately return the same.

The miscreants also hijacked an SUV (ML05 F 3013) in which the policemen were traveling. After vandalizing the vehicle they drove it across the city and later torched the vehicle at Jaiaw Pdengshnong.

A delegation of leaders from Mawlai had met the Chief Minister earlier on Monday. The Chief Minister informed that a formation of a “peace committee” chaired by the Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, with the co-operation of other members from the civil society including religious organizations and other stakeholders. Additionally, a sub-committee for “security and law and order” will look into the different aspects of law and order.

“They have put forward their request for a judicial inquiry…the meeting was very positive and they have told us they will do everything in their capacity to ensure that peace returns to Shillong,” said Sangma.

The Chief Minister speaking on State Home Minister Rymbui’s resignation, said: “I have received the letter from the home minister but I have not yet made a decision. I will be examining the matter and will make a decision at an appropriate time.”