Tension after Rajabagan incident; relief provided to displaced
By Our Reporter
Shillong: Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh will visit Rajabagan market in Ri Bhoi district on Monday to assess the situation following the destruction of the market after it was set on fire by HNYF members on Saturday afternoon.
“HDR Lyngdoh is set to visit the trouble spot tomorrow following the rampage by HNYF members at Rajabagan market on Saturday,” a source told The Shillong Times on Sunday.
Miscreants believed to be members of the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) hurled petrol bombs at the Rajabagan market in Ri Bhoi district, damaging 87 shops belonging to different communities and damaged four motorcycles parked in one of the shops. They also set on fire another motorcycle which was driving past and torched a thatched hut near the main road on Saturday afternoon at around 1 pm.
Following the incident, the district administration arrested more than 30 HNYF members who were, later, released at around 9 pm.
The district administration has made arrangements for basic facilities like food, shelter and water for the displaced.
Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly and NCP legislator, Conrad Sangma, on Sunday visited Rajabagan on Sunday.
After interacting with the local residents and meeting those affected by the incident, Conrad asked the
State Government to provide immediate compensation to the affected people and to constitute an inquiry into the incident which has affected around 40 families.
The Opposition Leader also requested the people to maintain peace and harmony and not react strongly as this was an incident instigated by few individuals at the personal-level.
Meanwhile, HNYF president JH Kharshanlor, on Sunday, said the tension was running high in the area but it was difficult to point fingers at anyone.
“A thorough investigation needs to be conducted to find out the real culprits behind this incident since blaming a single group is not wise as the area is inhabited by a mixed community,” he said.
“Peace and tranquility need to be restored in the area and as citizens of the State, we are against creating any communal riots,” Kharshanlor said.
He also said that HNYF would take stern action against anyone who might attempt to disturb peace and instigate communal flare-up.
