SHILLONG: The night curfew in Motphran continues even more than two months after violence erupted in the city.
East Khasi Hills SP Davis Marak said the curfew in Motphran is “technically on at night” for a certain period of time and it will be lifted soon.
Police are also vigil in the area which turned into a battle zone in June following the assault of a few locals at Harijan Colony, a few meters from Motphran.
This reporter who visited Motphran and Harijan Colony on Friday night saw a crowd control vehicle parked at Motphran junction. A few police personnel were also there.
Some barricades which were put up at the entry of the colony are still there and a few police personnel are on guard.
On May 31, stone pelting and arson rocked the area and it continued for almost a week.
The situation was so tense that army personnel had to conduct flag march in the city. The central armed forces were also brought in to control the situation.
Police have sent several notices to those allegedly involved in the violence.
The district administration is still assessing the situation before finally withdrawing security forces and the curfew.
There were reports in the past that some elements would create law and order problems if the curfew was withdrawn. Recently, a magisterial inquiry into the incident was submitted to the government for appropriate action.
The government-constituted High Level Committee is exploring ways and means to settle the issue of relocation of the settlers of Harijan Colony once and for all.
