The situation in Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya still remained tense on Saturday even as the police and civil administration are on their toes to avoid any further escalation of violence.
Also read: Shillong on the boil after mob violence, curfew imposed
Curfew is still in place in most of the areas of the city and police are patrolling the vulnerable places to contain sporadic violence.
A decision with regard to lifting of curfew partially will be taken later in the day to enable residents procure essential commodities.
Meanwhile, an irate mob had gathered at the point where violence erupted on Thursday night in the wee hours of Friday at around 2:30 am. However, police took control of the situation and prevented any further escalation of violence.
Earlier on Friday evening State Chief Minister Conrad Sangma held an emergency meeting with Home Minister James K Sangma and other Cabinet colleagues over the deteriorating law and order scenario in the capital city.
Later interacting with media, Conrad said that the State Government was ‘monitoring the law and order situation closely’.
Conrad further said that efforts are being made to restore normalcy in the affected areas.
The Chief Minister also requested the denizens to maintain restraint for peace to prevail.
Meanwhile, at least 10 people have been arrested for instigating the mob violence.
Notably, mobile internet and SMS services have been suspended in the city.
Incidents of stone pelting were reported from Motphran and Mawkhar area of the city even on Friday evening following a clash that broke out between a group of bus drivers and residents of Motphran area of the city on Thursday afternoon.
A petty altercation between a Khasi boy and a Punjabi woman, allegedly over rumours on social media, led to violent mob attack forcing the administration to impose curfew in as many as 14 localities of the city.
The areas where curfew has been imposed are Jaiaw, Mawkhar, Umsohsun, Raitsamthiah, Wahingdoh, Mission, Mawprem, Lumdiengjri, Lama Villa, Qualapatty, Wahthapbru, Sunny Hills, Cantonment and Mawlong Hat.