Assam trader killed in Shillong, curfew reimposed, Mobile internet service suspended

February 29: A non-tribal petty trader from Assam identified as Rupchand Dewan (29), son of Ibrahim Dewan, a resident of Muslimpara in Borbila under Barpeta district was killed in Shillong while seven others were injured as they were attacked by a group of miscreants on Saturday. The deceased sold tomato at Iewduh in Shillong.

A clash took place between non-tribals and Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) activists at Ichamati village over differences on CAA and ILP after a KSU meeting at the village. Following which, a Khasi youth, identified as 35-year-old Lurshai Hynniewta, son of late Serkin Nongkyndrih, a resident of Khliehshnong Sohra, was attacked was critically injured in the attack and died at Sohra CHC on Friday. The killing of Rupchand Dewan on Saturday was termed as a backlash following the death of the Khasi youth the previous day.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Saturday appealed to the citizens of the state to refrain from any kind of violence and ensure that peace is maintained. To assess the prevailing situation, the Meghalaya CM along with his Cabinet colleagues held a meeting with Additional chief secretary (Home-Police), DGP, SP, DC of East Khasi Hills and officials of the political department on Saturday afternoon.

During the meeting, a decision was taken to enforce curfew in some areas of East Khasi Hills including ban on the internet was taken. Eight people have been arrested following the incident on Friday evening at Ichamati under Shella constituency in East Khasi Hills district.

Curfew in Shillong agglomeration and its adjoining areas has been promulgated for 11 hours from 9 pm on Saturday to 8 am on Sunday. Curfew will also remain effective in areas under Mylliem Block from Umshyrpi bridge up to 7 mile Upper Shillong, Madanrting, Mawblei, Laitkor, Nongkseh, Umlyngka, Lawsohtun, Mawdiangdiang, Diengiong and Siejiong.

Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Police have arranged a vehicle to ferry the tourists, who are stranded at Shillong and Sohra due to the ongoing law and order situation in East Khasi Hills district. Meghalaya Police chief R. Chandranathan through the notice also asked the stranded tourists at the toll free number 1800-345-3846 to contact for assistance.

Mobile internet services have been suspended in six districts — East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi, West Khasi Hills an South West Khasi hills — of the state from Friday night for 48-hours.