SHILLONG: Violence gripped Shillong city after rumours started spreading that the boy who was beaten in Punjabi line was dead. The ongoing unwarranted events in the city have forced the father of the boy to come before the media and gave a clarification that his two children and nephew were fine.
Speaking to media persons here at NEGRIHMS Hospital where the boys are undergoing treatment, the father of the two children, Skylin Roy Marbaniang said that he was giving clarification since there were lots of rumours doing rounds in the city that his children were dead.
Narrating the incident, he said that there were seven buses in the place and he was having tea when he heard a commotion.
He said that a lady was there pouring water from a tap and she asked the bus to be moved away and the woman got angry and started pelting stones at the bus.
According the father, the lady went back and came back with few boys and attacked his two sons and a nephew.
He said that following the heated argument, when he wanted to go to police Station to file FIR, the woman and the group also said if an FIR was filed against them, they would also file a counter FIR against them.
He also said that there were many reports that they are from Nongstoin and though he is originally from Mawsynram and is staying in Mawlai.
On the other hand, Shane Thabah, General Secretary of Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association said that they heard about the entire commotion at around 3.30 PM when someone told him that, Skylin Roy Marbaniang needed help and they moved to Sadar Police Station to file the FIR.
“We also went to Sadar Police Station and when we were there, we heard there is law and order problem in Motphran area,” he said
He also said that miscreants were trying to take advantage of the situation and law should take its course against anyone whoever was involved in this entire incident
Rev Harison Masi who was also present in the hospital lamented that there were so many rumours going on in the city.
He said that Meghalaya is a Christian state and all are creation of God.
“There is no such thing as Khasi and Punjabi. We are all brothers and sisters and all are created by God,” he said while adding that there should not be any misunderstand among different people’s groups.