Govt lifts total curfew, internet ban from Wednesday

SHILLONG, AUG 17: As Shillong limps back to normalcy, the state government on Tuesday announced lifting of the total curfew and ban on mobile internet from Wednesday.

“We have decided that the curfew will be lifted tomorrow from 6 am to 4 pm. Also internet services will be reactivated from 6pm tomorrow,” Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma told reporters after chairing a review meeting on the law and order situation in Shillong.

He however said the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner will be coming up with detailed timing of the relaxation of the curfew in Shillong.

The decision was taken after no fresh incident of pelting stones and arson was reported following the law and order breakdown on Sunday due to violent protest against the alleged killing of the former HNLC leader Cheristerfield Thangkhiew.

Asked, the Chief Minister said that the overall situation is slightly calmer.

The government has already started the process of engaging and discussing with different stakeholders including headmen, religious leaders, senior citizens and social organizations.

“We are working further to ensure that normalcy returns to Shillong city and to the state as a whole,” he said.

Sangma further informed that the meeting of the peace committee will be held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of the Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong.

Thangkhiew was shot dead at his residence at Mawlai Kynton Massar on August 13 early morning.

During his funeral on Sunday, a police vehicle (black Scorpio) belonging to Mawkynroh outpost was set ablaze at Jaiaw. Eye-witnesses informed that a group of youth snatched the weapon of police personnel and seized the vehicle and took it for a ride before setting it on fire at Jaiaw.

Miscreants also hurled two petrol bombs at the Chief Minister’s residence at Upper Shillong.

To a query, the Chief Minister said that no one has been arrested in connection with the arson incidents.

On the other hand, sources also informed that the weapons are yet to be surrendered to the police.

By Our Reporter