Tension refuses to die down in Meghalaya Capital Shillong as fresh violence erupted amidst ongoing curfew in parts of the Capital town on Sunday evening after group of protesters pelted stones at security forces leading to injury of two persons even as curfew continued in some areas of the town.
The curfew which was imposed in parts of Shillong since Friday was relaxed for seven hours on Sunday but the restriction on Internet services continued. On Sunday police arrested four of the stone pelters.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma reviewed the law and order situation with top police and civil administration officials today and appealed all sections of the society to maintain utmost restraints. He Sangma had been meeting the community leaders and other civil society organizations since last two days to ensure that peace is maintained at all costs.
The Meghalaya Chief Minister while interacting with the newsmen today said that police have found evidence that ‘some section’ are funding this agitation for some interest. “We have found evidence of expensive alcohol being given to them, we have found evidence of money being given to them,” said Sangma
The Chief Minister, however, refused to take any name but said that that stern action would be taken against those funding the troubles.
The Shillong civil administration said that while the section 144 Cr. P.C. and restriction on internet will continue till restoration of normalcy, sale of petrol and diesel in jerry cans and other bottles have also been restricted in Shillong and adjoining areas.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Sikh leaders visited Shillong on Sunday from Delhi and denied reports of a gurdwara in Shillong being attacked by agitators. The delegation led by Delhi legislator Manjinder Singh Sirsa met Meghalaya Chief Minister and expressed satisfaction that “Sikhs are safe” in Meghalaya.
It may be mentioned here that indefinite curfew was imposed in areas under lumdiengjri Police Station and Cantonment Beat House from 4 a.m on Friday in view of the breakdown of law and order in Motphran, Mawkhar and adjoining areas following a clash on Thursday.