Tension Continues To Simmer In Shillong, Additional 1000 Para-Military Troops Deployed

Six companies of para-military forces are being deployed in Meghalaya capital Shillong to bring the situation under control after violence continued for the fourth day Monday (4 June).

Economic Times reported that violence broke afresh on Monday after protestors, mainly local tribes, tried to break into the Secretariat where Chief Minister Conrad Sangma was holding a meeting with representatives of Punjab Government led by Minister Sukhjinder Randhwa. The team later visited the affected Punjabi lane area.

The fresh incidents occurred despite the Army staging a flag march in the affected areas. On Thursday (31 May), violence broke out in Shillong following an altercation between local transport drivers, who are tribals, and residents of the Punjabi Line area, mostly settlers from Punjab.

On Monday, the protestors broke the lock of the gates, trying to gain entry into the Secretariat. They were, however, not allowed to enter any building. Sangma said the protestors had no intention of indulging in violence and were only keen to meet him.

The situation continues to be tense with internet connections being discontinued. Curfew has been extended to 14 areas in Shillong, while authorities are cracking down on illegal sale of petrol and diesel since petrol bombs were thrown by some miscreants. The State’s tourist industry has been affected as bus and taxi services to neighbouring Guwahati have been suspended.