Suspension of internet facilities on mobile phones in the whole Khasi Hills region of Meghalaya has been lifted on Wednesday while curfew during the day has been lifted, and only night curfew is being imposed in areas under Lumdiengjri police station as well as in the whole Shillong city from Thursday.
The restoration of internet facilities on mobile phones came at 1.30 pm on Wednesday, 13 days of suspension since June 1 ?following the spread of fake news on social media like Whatsapp and Facebook on the incident at Them ïew Mawlong on May 31, that led to a violent protest by mob at Motphran area demanding shifting of settlers from Them ïew Mawlong.
The violent agitation started after an exchange of words between a bus driver and a lady residing at Them ïew Mawlong on May 31 morning over the parking of a bus.
The exchange of words led to the assault of the driver and two other persons by some men in the area. This led to a volatile situation in Shillong particularly Motphran and Mawkhar which continued for five days. Mob pelted stones at security personnel during the agitation while security forces resorted to firing of tear gas shells to disperse the agitated mob.
A high level committee was constituted to examine all records and documents, and recommend feasible solution on the pending demand to shift settlers from Them ïew Mawlong. The committee headed by deputy chief minister, Prestone Tynsong should submit its recommendations to the government at the earliest.
As the law and order situation has improved, and life has returned to normal, the district magistrate of East Khasi Hills has further relaxed curfew in areas under Lumdiengjri Police Station, which include, Jaïaw, Mawkhar, Umsohsun, Riatsamthiah, Wahingdoh, Mission, Mawprem, Lumdiengjri, Lamavilla, Qualapatty, Wahthapbru, Sunny Hill, Cantonment, Mawlong Hat including Cantonment Beat House areas (excluding localities beyond Umshyrpi bridge) for 15 hours for Thursday from 5 am to 8 pm, and night curfew will be promulgated in the said areas with effect from 8 pm to 5 am until further orders.
The district magistrate has also decided to impose night curfew only for 7 hours from 10 pm to 5 am in the whole Shillong agglomeration with effect from Thursday until further orders.
On Wednesday, curfew was relaxed from 7 am to 6 pm in areas under Lumdiengjri Police Station, while night curfew remained in force from 9 pm to 5 am in the whole Shillong city.