Cops lathi-charge truckers, situation tense

File pix: Coal truckers who placed boulder in national highway in Ri Bhoi district on Friday
File pix: Coal truckers who placed boulder in national highway in Ri Bhoi district on Friday

SHILLONG, FEB 7: Security forces lathi-charged agitated coal truck drivers who had gathered on the National Highway- 40 at Umling in Ri Bhoi district blocking the flow of traffic on Saturday afternoon and reportedly tried to attack the security personnel who were present there.

It is reported that some of the truck drivers sustained injuries during the lathi-charge.

The coal truck drivers had gathered in the national highway to protest and demand the release of five of their colleagues who were arrested yesterday for blocking the national highway.

The lathi charge took place at around 2.40 pm.

Police had arrested five drivers for allegedly instigating  blocking the national highway-40 with boulders at Umsamlem village,to protest against the delay in weighing the loads by the Umling check gate.

On Saturday when the truck drivers once again gathered, the additional district magistrate D Phawa issued lathi-charge order to control the unruly truck drivers who had started to attack the police and security force present along the national highway.

Many drivers were injured after the police and CRPF resorted to lathi charge on them.

It is reported that villagers who were bystander were also allegedly beaten up by the security personnel during the melee.

It is reported that  law and order situation along the NH-40 is fragile. Efforts to contract the Ri Bhoi district SP and DC was futile as they could not be reached in their mobile.

Last week, angry truck drivers had attacked the Umling check gate by setting it on fire. Two government officials were injured during the attack.- By Our Reporter

 

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