By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The city wore a deserted look following the night road blockade called by three NGOs (KSU, FKJGP and HNYF) that came into effect from 9 pm on Wednesday. Majority of the traders downed their shutters early in the wake of the road blockade call. Vehicles kept off the roads in the city and also on the national highways.
In areas like Mawlai and Jaiaw where the NGOs have a greater presence, not a single vehicle could be seen plying on the road. However, there were a few bikes and vehicles plying in Laitumkhrah area.
Police teams were seen continuously patrolling various parts of the city to ensure that no untoward incidents take place.
Police were also conducting checking at important junctions like Laitumkhrah police point, Mawlai petrol pump, Polo market and other areas, when reports last came in.
Though there was no major incident reported from anywhere, stray incidents of tyre burning was reported from Jaiaw and Mawlai, even as there were reports of unidentified miscreants hurling a petrol bomb on a haystack in Nongmynsong area. Sources informed that the fire could have spread to the nearby houses but for the timely intervention of four fire tenders who doused the flames.
Meanwhile, sources have informed that three FKJGP leaders — Riwar Mihngi circle president Kyrshan Khongsngi, general secretary Augustine Ryngksai and member Kitborlang Khongstia — were arrested from Pynursla on Wednesday night for disrupting traffic by blocking the road.
Several cases of arson were reported from Ri Bhoi district. Unknown miscreant hurled a petrol bomb at a truck, injuring one person at 20mer. A petrol bomb was hurled at Umsning but missed the target. Sources also informed that the SDO quarter at Umroi was torched by miscreants. The house was completely gutted. Stone pelting was also reported from Umling.
Meanwhile, incidents of torching of vehicles and stone pelting were reported in various parts of West Khasi Hills district.
Sources informed that a truck belonging to the Hyderabad based firm M/S BSC-C &C (JV), which is implementing the two-lane Shillong-Tura via Nongstoin road project, was set on fire at Nongpathar near Nongstoin.
Police sources also informed that four trucks and a JCB were set on fire in Mairang. The JCB was totally charred while the four trucks were partially damaged, police informed.
Stone pelting was reported in Mawryngkneng area in East Khasi Hills.