SHILLONG: East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner PS Dkhar called a meeting of NGO representatives and other stakeholders on Friday to find a way out of the violence.
“They have assured me that they will try their best to bring back normalcy in their respective localities and see that by tomorrow (Saturday) the curfew is lifted and the markets are opened as usual,” said the deputy commissioner after the meeting with three MLAs of the areas where the curfew was imposed, NGOs and the Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong ka Bri U Hynniewtrep.
Speaking about fake news doing the rounds in the wake of communal tension, Dkhar said the district administration have to take steps so that people know the facts and are not carried away by fake news.
The DC said he would convey the stakeholders’ suggestions to the government.
Meanwhile, SP East Khasi Hills Davis Marak said three persons sustained minor injuries and they were not admitted in the hospital and were discharged immediately.
He admitted that social media escalated the problem. After the incident, both the parties decided not to file FIRs and they compromised, Dkhar added.
Marak said between 5.30-6 pm on Thursday, a huge crowd from SPTS, including drivers and conductors, gathered at Mawlonghat and proceeded towards Punjabi Lane.
“The group from Punjabi Lane also came out and was likely to start a group clash. We were able to convince both the groups to disperse. However, around 200 people proceeded towards Motphran and later they made a U-turn to Punjabi Lane where residents were already armed with weapons,” he said.
The SP added that there were apprehensions that it would lead to serious group clash and lathicharge was ordered.
It was only in the evening that an FIR was filed by the SPTS bus association.
Marak said there were reports of arson at RR Colony, Nongmynsong and other parts of the city.
Asked on the alleged involvement of the woman from Punjabi Lane and more arrests, Marak said she is likely to be arrested.
