By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Meghalaya Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) staged a flag march in different parts of the city on Wednesday in the wake of a two-day night road blockade called by four NGOs in the four districts of Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
The flag march began from Sadar police station and covered most parts of the city including Jaiaw and Mawlai with a view to instill a sense of security among residents after the city witnessed sporadic incidents of violence in the past two days.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police AR Mawthoh said, “This exercise was not to show out strength but to instill a sense of security in the minds of people.”
Mawthoh informed that the flag march was appropriate in the wake of violence in few localities of the city.
Meanwhile, the State Police have taken all steps to ensure that peace and tranquility is maintained in the city. Mawthoh informed that additional forces have been deployed in different pockets of the city besides special security teams have also been pressed into service to thwart any subversive activity by the agitators.
The SP also talked tough against miscreants who resort to torching vehicles, saying, “If anyone is found directly involved in torching of vehicles, we will not hesitate to book them under the Meghalaya Preventive Detention Act (MPDA).”
Meanwhile police is yet to arrest anyone in connection with the torching of the vehicle of Deputy Speaker of Meghalaya Assembly, Sanbor Shullai, at Jaiaw on Tuesday.
Section 144 CrPC promulgated in two districts
The District Magistrates of East Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi districts have promulgated an order under Section 144 CrPC in view of the two-day night road blockade from Wednesday.
Under the prohibitory order, assembly of five or more persons, any person or group of persons obstructing any vehicular movement in the two districts, carrying of arms and any other lethal weapons have been banned.