Two killed in Ichamati after anti-CAA protests

SHILLONG, March 27: An anti-CAA protest called by the KSU and other pressure groups in the sensitive Ichamati area took a deadly turn on Wednesday when unidentified miscreants attacked and killed two locals sending shockwaves among the residents.
The victims were identified as Ishan Singh and Sujit Dutta (Phuruin Dutta).
Sources informed that the incident took place after an anti-CAA rally organised by the KSU and other pressure groups.
According to the sources, the two persons might have been killed by unidentified elements who took advantage of the already volatile situation.
It was unclear why an anti-CAA protest was organised in Ichamati which is a scheduled area and falls outside the purview of the CAA.
A senior KSU leader, when contacted, said he was not aware if any protest was organised by the union at Ichamati.
The sources said that after the protesters dispersed at around 3.30 pm on Wednesday, some miscreants allegedly attacked one of the victims near the SBI bank at Ichamati with stones resulting in his death. The second victim was allegedly attacked a short distance away at Dalda, the sources said.
As per official reports, a Special Operation Team along with the Crime Scene Unit has rushed to Ichamati to help Shella Police in maintaining law and order in the area.
When contacted, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, SC Sadhu said that they are still verifying with the police if the death of the two people was a result of the rally called by the KSU at Ichamati.
Replying to a query, the DC said the district administration is yet to invoke Section 144 CrPC in the area.
The KHADC had recently announced that it would shut down an “illegal” market at Ichamati, Shella, set up by non-tribal traders of the area without the permission or approval of the council.
KHADC CEM Pyniaid Sing Syiem had said the new market was opened without obtaining the NOC from the Dorbar Shnong and Hima Sohra and the approval of the council.
It may be recalled that a KSU member, Lurshai Hynniewta was killed in clashes between members of the union and non-tribals in Ichamati area on February 28, 2020 following a meeting of the union to discuss the Citizenship Amendment Act and to demand the implementation of the Inner Line Permit.