SHILLONG: A Kashmir-like situation was witnessed on Friday during the visit of this reporter to the curfew-affected areas, especially at Mawkhar.
The police had a harrowing time controlling angry youths who were throwing stones at the police team who were with lathis, guns and teargas.
Defying the curfew, the youths marched forward at intervals and at times, police team had to retreat as the youths outnumbered them.
The anxious residents of the curfew-affected areas stayed indoors and some were seen peeping from windows while others stood on the terrace.
The sound of firing of teargas and falling stones resounded through the air.
At times, police were seen throwing stones at protesters who refused to disperse.
A few policemen were injured due to stone pelting.
The ‘cat and mouse battle’ continued till late evening on Friday.
Press vehicle surrounded
On one occasion, the mob, mostly youths carrying stones and some with catapults, surrounded a press vehicle near the office of a local daily at Mawkhar.
The youths wanted the driver of the vehicle to proceed towards the place where the security personnel are positioned so that they can also follow the vehicle.
The women who were on the spot, however, advised the crowd to allow free passage of the vehicle as per the wish of the occupants, who were three media persons proceeding to cover a meeting at office of the Deputy Commissioner.
Later, the vehicle took a different route through Umsohsun.
