SHILLONG: A taxi driver, Talbinus Dhar was assaulted by a shopkeeper, Dharmendra Kumar Shah when the latter told him not to smoke inside his shop at Jowai on Monday at around 11:30 am.
When told by Shah not to smoke inside the shop, M/s New Starlight Mobile Shop, which is located near the Thomas Jones Synod College, Dhar challenged him and a scuffle took place in which Dhar sustained injuries.
Dhar was shifted to Jowai Civil Hospital for treatment and Shah got arrested. Immediately, after the news of the assault spread, mob started gathering in front of the shop and also in some areas of Iawmusiang.
The victim lodged a complaint at Jowai PS. However, a group of 50/60 people gathered in front of Jowai PS and shouted slogans against non-tribals.
In this connection, the District Magistrate, West Jaintia Hills has promulgated Section 144 CrPC restricting movement / gathering of five or more persons and carrying of dangerous implements.
The SP of West Jaintia Hill, Vivek Syiem urged the public to not create any communal tension.