SHILLONG, March 2: Violence erupted in Sohra and parts of the state after the results of Assembly elections were declared on Thursday.
The violence first broke out in Sohra after a news channel had goofed up in reporting the result of the Shella seat. Some people were seen in viral videos pelting stones at a fire tender. No one was injured or arrested.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Dr Raghvendra Kumar MG said the UDP had won the seat but the news channel in question had inadvertently showed the seat going to the NPP.
When the supporters of the UDP candidate went to the office of the SDO Sohra, they discovered that the result was just the opposite.
“They became violent and aggressive, so water cannon had to be used to disperse them,” the DC said.
When reports last came in, the situation was under control but as a precautionary measure, the SP City left for the place along with additional forces.
Incidents of stone pelting and arson were also reported from Mairang constituency after the Congress candidate had lost to UDP candidate and Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh by a small margin of votes.
Chief Electoral Officer FR Kharkongor said the Congress supporters got agitated and expressed their anger after the result was declared.
Curfew was imposed at Sahsniang in West Jaintia Hills District after violence broke out in the village.
In Nongpoh, a clash broke out between Congress supporters and police personnel on Thursday evening after the declaration of the result for the Mairang seat.
The incident occurred after a complaint by the Congress supporters was not heard by the returning officer of Mairang assembly constituency.
The Congress supporters had complained that the result did not tally with the EVM. They also alleged that the returning officer of Mairang LAC did not announce the results of the final round of counting publicly.
When the returning officer refused to entertain their complaint, the Congress supporters barged into the Deputy Commissioner’s office and torched a government vehicle which also pelting stones on the police personnel and district officials.
