Meghalaya violence: Curfew extended to second day in Shillong
What's the story
Curfew in some parts of Shillong was extended to the second day following night-long violence during which a mob torched a house, a shop and damaged about half a dozen vehicles. The police were forced to use tear gas to disperse the mob. Roughly ten people including journalists and Superintendent of Police have been reportedly injured. Here are the details.
Details
Fake social media post goes viral: What transpired
The clashes erupted after a bus conductor was allegedly attacked by a group of Them Metor residents on Thursday afternoon. The situation turned violent after a fake social media post went viral claiming the conductor had died. Post that, a group of bus drivers gathered and started pelting stones at the police.
Quote
"Miscreants set four vehicles on fire"
"We (police) have tightened the security all over the city after miscreants set four vehicles on fire in four different locations at Motphran, Umsohson, Rynjah and Nongmynsong," said Davies Marak, district police chief of East Khasi Hills.
Details
CM appeals for peace; groups demand action
On Friday, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma chaired a high-level meeting appealing for peace and normalcy in Shillong. Groups like the Federation Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) have demanded that perpetrators of violence that assaulted three local boys be punished and also asked the government to evict the illegal settlers at Them Metor.
Quote
"A den for anti-nationals"
"Them Metor has become a den for anti-nationals and it is sad that several governments in the past have not taken initiatives to evict them and provide them space somewhere else," said Wellbirth Rani, President of FKJGP.