11 people assaulted, 17 shops vandalised l Public irked over lack of security
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The KSU sponsored Khasi National Awakening on Thursday went berserk and turned violent during the procession in various parts of the city.
Stone pelting and assault on passers-by and shopkeepers were reported in Laitumkhrah. The march started from Madan Iewrynghep to Motphran and also marked the 35th Anniversary of the students’ body.
According to the KSU, the purpose of observing this day was to create awareness among the indigenous people of the dangers facing the society.
As per the latest report, a total number of 17 shops were vandalized in Laitumkhrah even as 11 people were assaulted during the procession which included two tourists – Britesh Sinha and Arup Kundu – and an old pan vendor Sushil Mishra.
The shops which were vandalized include RB stores, Prakash Hotel and a number of fruits and pan vendors located near the roadside.
It is also reported that the windshield of four vehicles which were parked near Super Care Hospital were vandalized by unidentified miscreants during the procession.
It was also reported that some shops were ransacked and the goods were thrown on the road.
Soon after the rally, the shop owners and vendors of Police Bazar and other localities downed their shutters and rushed home.
Interestingly some police personnel near the Civil Hospital asked the non tribals to rush to their homes while the procession was heading from Barik towards them. East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal said that if people file FIRs, the district administration would act upon the report.
He said that as per his information some people were assaulted when the processionists were going towards the gathering at Madan Iewrynghep.
Reacting to a query about giving permission for the rally in the late evening, he said, “We had taken the views of the police before the giving the permission.”
Additional SP (City) Vivek Syiem said that it is difficult to get hold of the people who were involved in the act of vandalism since there as many as two thousand people who took part in the procession.
“We are on the job to nab all those who are involved in this act of terror,” Syiem said.
When asked about rumours doing the rounds that the HNLC members were also part of the procession, the Additional SP (City) said that he had not received any such inputs.
Members of the public expressed surprise and shock that permission for such a procession had been allowed in the evening hours, knowing fully well the past history of such groups to create law and order problems. “We are also surprised at the non-availability of the police at Laitumkhrah area which allowed some from among the processionists to go on a rampage. It seems like a well orchestrated plan,” several residents of Laitumkhrah, who were caught by surprise, said.