Shillong: A week after clashes broke out between local Khasi people and Sikh community members, life in Shillong is gradually returning to normalcy with no fresh violence reported from anywhere in the city prompting authorities to relax the daytime curfew.
The capital of Meghalaya was gripped by violence since May 29 following an altercation between Sikh residents in the city's Punjabi Lane area, and Khasi drivers of state-run buses. More than 10 people, including policemen and CRPF personnel, were injured in the clashes. As in past two days, curfew was relaxed for nine hours in the 14 "vulnerable areas" from 7 am to 4 pm today. Authorities will decide on further relaxation of curfew, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, P S Dkhar said.
In other parts of the city, prohibitory orders have been lifted from 5 am and would be restored at 8 pm, he said.
Mobile phone messaging service has been reinstated but access to mobile internet remains suspended, the official said. The inflow of tourists to Shillong popularly known as "Scotland of the East" has been increasing and vacationers in droves can be seen at tourist hot spots like cathedrals and museums. Meghalaya DGP S B Singh said the forces will be stationed in the city for some more time and their deployment will be reviewed based on the situation.
"As many as 40 rioters have been arrested for their involvement in stone-pelting incidents which led to the injury of over 100 police personnel during the five days of violent protests," SP (City) Steve Rynjah said. He said cases have been registered against them, many of who were under the influence of alcohol, for creating trouble and carrying objects with the intention to hurt police.