By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The situation is likely to be normal from Tuesday following the government’s assurance on the charge sheet of the accused for the assault of Khasi youths at Punjabi Lane and formation of the high level committee to deal with the issues of relocation of the residents in the locality.
The breakthrough came after a delegation of hawkers met Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and discussed their varied demands on behalf of the protesters.
Later, they conveyed the decisions to the small group that had gathered in front of the Main Secretariat building.
The gathering cheered after the announcement of the decision of the government and later, they decided to proceed on foot though the government had provided buses for them.
The group discussed their decisions with the protesters.
Subsequently, a delegation of legislators comprising local MLA Adelbert Nongrum, Cabinet Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh and chairman of state planning board Lambor Malngiang conveyed the decision of the government to the gathering.
Lyngdoh said that the delegation of MLAs met the protesters at the YMCA junction at Mawkhar at night and conveyed to them the decision of the government.
“They listened to us in silence and we hope that they are convinced of our message,” Lyngdoh said.
He said the protesters wanted to know the timeline to shift the Punjabi Lane, but the delegation told them that it may take two or three months as the committee has to thoroughly discuss the matter. When contacted, Nongrum said they met the agitators and read out the notification on the formation of the High Level Committee.
“We only want the protesters to calm down. We need to give them time,” he said.
He also appealed to the agitators to remain calm and some of them went back to their respective homes.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner PS Dkhar said after the communication of the legislators, it appears that the majority of the protesters have decided to return.
Dkhar said since normalcy is returning, he will meet on Tuesday to discuss whether to relax the curfew.
Curfew from 4 pm to 5 am
Earlier in the day, with no signs of improvement in the law and order situation, the district magistrate had promulgated curfew from 4 pm to 5 am in the entire city from Monday.
However, the order said indefinite curfew will continue in areas under Lumdiengjri police station, which includes Jaiaw, Mawkhar, Umsohsun, Riatsamthiah, Wahingdoh, Mission Compound, Mawprem, Lumdiengjri, Lamavilla, Qualapatty, Wahthapbru, Sunny Hill, Cantonment, Mawlong Hat including Cantonment Beat House areas (excluding localities beyond Umshyrpi bridge).
Sangma said the curfew was imposed as a precautionary measure to ensure peace in the city. He appealed to people from all walks of life – church leaders, NGOs and the media – to come together to send the message of peace.
Night situation
After four days of continuous clashes in certain parts of the city and torching of vehicles and tyres, the situation was slightly calm in the city on Monday.
A visit to areas like Lumdiengjri, Motphran and Punjabi Lane on late Monday night revealed that the situation was calm in all the places and there were no more agitators.
However, deployment of security personnel was seen in Punjabi Lane and Bazar areas and even in other places like Anjalee, Dhankheti and Jeep Stand.
A police official said there were no violent incidents except some miscreants placing road blocks in Mawlai area.