Fresh violence broke in restive Shillong on Monday with some agitators attempting to barge into the State Secretariat despite high security and the Army conducting flag march to quell the unrest in the Meghalaya capital, which has been witnessing violence since Thursday night.
The Union Home Ministry on Monday rushed six more Central paramilitary forces (CPMF) companies, including two ITBP ones, to the State to deal with the situation. Earlier, the Centre had sent six companies of paramilitary forces to Shillong.
The Meghalaya capital, popularly known as “Scotland of the East” for its natural beauty and soothing climatic condition, continued to be under curfew for the fourth consecutive day on Monday, barring a few hours of relaxation.
“We have got some companies of CPMF. The Home Ministry has sent four additional CRPF and two ITBP companies. Till now there is no loss of life. Tension is prevailing, however police are making all attempts to quell the trouble,” Meghalaya Home Minister James Sangma told the media.
“There have been instances of attempted arson and loot but police are dealing with the situation. The situation is tense but it is under control,” said Meghalaya DGP SB Singh.
He said 14 areas in Shillong continues to remain under curfew while night curfew is on in rest of the State capital.
last night, police had forced some protesters, who were apparently involved in the clashes, to leave their hideouts at Mawkhar and Mission Compound areas near Motphran, a few metres from the Punjabi line area, where the violence first took place on Thursday. The agitators also overturned a police van near Roberts Hospital and assaulted an on-duty officer in retaliation to the police action on Sunday night.
While more than ten people, including police and security forces have been injured during the clash between a mob and the security forces since Thursday night, four trouble-makers have been arrested.
It may be mentioned here that Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had on Sunday said the violence was a local issue and some people with vested interests had been trying to give it a communal colour.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Punjab government led by cabinet minister Sukhjinder Randhawa toured the trouble torn area today and met Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. “We had a meeting with chief minister, Conard Sangma and he assured that the issue will settled amicably. Presently lots of rumours are circulating in social media and is a grave threat to peace,” said lok Sabha MP from Punjab, Ravneet Singh, who was a part of the delegation.
“We have asked the government to resolve the issue of eviction of people from Punjabi line area. Already there is a cabinet subcommittee for this. The chief minister has assured that he will ensure that whole issue is resolved amicably,” he added