SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Police and the CRPF have dedicatedly put their stamp on the agitating youth fountain that sprouted sporadic incidents of violence in the city over the past couple of days. The commendable tireless efforts of the upholders of law in the city saw that consequent road blockades passed off peacefully and any ‘derailed’ act was put back on track.
The tireless vigilante teams who have been prompt in pursuing criminals who prey on our families and community deserve a salute. Many times we do not hear about the proactive law enforcement in our community that curbs attempts before they escalate.
Taking a peek into the crime statistics, altogether 35 arrests have been made from various areas of the city by the ever aware force. “We have been able to contain the damages, most, if not all,” East Khasi Hills SP M Kharkhrang said. This is by far a record number of arrests that have been made in a series of agitations of recent times.
The Central Reserve Police Force is working in tandem with the Meghalaya Police to ensure the peace is maintained in the streets of Shillong. “The Paramilitary Force is assisting us and we are extremely happy with the co-operation that we receive,” Kharkhrang said adding that in the 8-hour stints of vigilance duty responsibilities were shared equally and law and order was maintained following the codes included in the Indian Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure.
“Together with the paramilitary force, we have the Border Wing homeguards who assist us in the checking of vehicles and the likes,” Kharkhrang said. On being asked about the sensitive pockets that have been marked, Kharkhrang said that Nongmynsong was at the top of the list together with a few other places.
It may be mentioned that on September 7, police arrested the KSU Nongmynsong unit president Donbor Wahlang, general secretary Banlumlang Syiemlieh and a member Starsing Nongseij in relation to the arson that spurted in that area.
The co-operation on the public front has also aided the Police force in executing duties to the best of their abilities. “Most Dorbar Shnongs stay in touch with us and inform of any suspicious activities which help us in foiling attempts,” Kharkhrang said while mentioning that Public cooperation at such times was very important and by far, the public has responded well to the hassles of regular checking and scrutiny that they had to be put through.
With the NGOs announcing their next phase of agitations from September 17, the law enforcers have some major work at hand and once again, they must assume the role of being barriers to peace disruptors.