SHILLONG, SEP 4: At least ten members of the Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) were arrested on Monday for pelting stones and assaulting a magistrate and police personnel, who were stopping them from taking out a protest march towards the Secretariat.
This came after the HITO president Donbok Dkhar was summoned by the investigation officer (IO) at Sadar police station in connection with a case registered against him in July.
The case under section 171/ 34 IPC r/w 105 of the MP Act was related to the wearing of black uniforms (which were similar to the ones used by police special operation team (SOT) by the HITO members.
Police had to resort to lathi charge and use of stun grenades after the HITO members started pelting stones at them while trying to force their way to the Secretariat to dump their placards.
This has led to a deputy superintendent of police (Dy.SP) to sustain head injury during the incident.
Speaking to reporters, East Khasi Hills district SP Sylvester Nongtnger said that actually, the IO had called only the president of HITO to appear before the Sadar police station but today they came in a huge number.
“Of course, we allowed 5-6 of them to enter the police station premises while the others were waiting outside. After we recorded his statement then he along with others was allowed to leave the police station,” Nongtnger said.
He said police later came to learn that the HITO members had decided to take out a protest march towards the Secretariat.
On reaching Kachari Point they were stopped by the authority as no prior permission was given by the District Administration as well as the procession was in violation of the order U/s 144 CrPC passed by the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, Shillong.
“Thereupon, HITO members turned violent and forcefully pushed the human barricade, officers and men on duty. As a result of which 1 (one) magistrate on duty and 3 Police personnel were assaulted by HITO members and they sustained injuries on their persons. In order to control the unruly mob, Police used stun grenades and mild lathi charge to disperse the unlawful assembly and in the process the pressure group pelted stones at the Police resulting in head injury to 1 Dy. Superintendent of Police. The injured persons were shifted to Hospital for their medical treatment,” Nongtnger said.
The SP informed that ten persons have been apprehended in this connection and a case is being registered.
When asked, he said, “The case was that they were wearing black uniforms without permission. That is why a case was registered and he was summoned to the thana to record his statement.”
By our Reporter
+ There are no comments
Add yours