KSU-non-tribal clash
A view of the clash site in Shella. Image credit - Northeast Now

Fearing backlash following the death of a KSU member during clashes with non-tribals at Shella in East Khasi Hills district on Friday, curfew has been imposed in Shillong and other parts of the district.

According to sources, Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) called for a meeting at Ichamati on Friday afternoon to discuss the issue of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and Inner Line Permit (ILP).

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“At around 3 pm, after the meeting, clashes broke out between KSU members and local non-tribals of the area,” sources said.

Also read: Meghalaya: KSU activist dies in non-tribals’ attack at Shella

“Thereafter, the KSU members burnt a haystack at the edge of the market and attempted to burn a house,” sources claimed.

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“The non-tribals retaliated and pelted stones at a bus carrying KSU members. One local taxi, which had gone to collect the KSU members from the Ichamati market after the clashes, was damaged while one vehicle of the EAC, J Umdor, also got damaged,” sources further said.

Also read: Internet services suspended in 6 Meghalaya districts

Four members of KSU were injured.

While two injured KSU members were sent to Ichamati CHC and released, two others were referred to Sohra CHC.

“The person, who had driven the local taxi, identified as 35-year-old Lurshai Hynniewta, son of late Serkin Nongkyndrih, a resident of Khliehshnong Sohra, succumbed to his injuries,” sources said.

As a precautionary measure, the district magistrate of East Khasi Hills has imposed curfew in Shillong and adjoining areas of the district.

Internet/data services have also been suspended in the six districts of the eastern range as a precautionary measure.

Issuing an order imposing 144 CrPC in East Khasi Hills district, district magistrate M. War Nongbri said “information is received that there is apprehension of serious deterioration of law & order in Shillong agglomeration and adjoining areas”.

District magistrate Nongbri while stating that “there is every likelihood of serious breach of peace and tranquility and may lead to loss of life and property”, promulgated curfew in Shillong and the adjoining areas exercising her powers under section 144 CrPC with effect from 10 pm on February 28 till 8 am on February 29, 2020.

According to the order, the areas which will come under curfew are the whole of the Municipal area; the whole of the Cantonment area; all areas under Mawlai Block including Census towns and all areas under Mawpat Block including Census towns.

The other areas which also come under curfew include areas under Mylliem Block from Umshyrpi Bridge up to 7th Mile; Upper Shillong; Madanrting, Mawblei, Laitkor, Nongkseh, Umlyngka, Lawsohtun, Mawdiangdiang, Diengiong, and Siejiong.