Meghalaya: 1 dead, curfew imposed, no Internet in Shillong after clashes
The six districts where Internet services have been restricted are East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi, East Jaintia Hills and West Jaintia Hills.
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.
Curfew has been imposed in Shillong agglomeration and adjoining areas and internet services have been suspended in the six districts of the Eastern Range as a precautionary measure, said Meghalaya Police in a tweet.
Curfew has been imposed in Shillong agglomeration and adjoining areas and internet services have been suspended in the six districts of the Eastern Range as a precautionary measure. pic.twitter.com/3QiphFe5Hj
— Meghalaya Police (@MeghalayaPolice) February 28, 2020
The State capital Shillong is within the purview of the curfew till 8 p.m. on Saturday.
“Curfew has been clamped due to apprehension of serious deterioration in law and order in Shillong and adjoining areas,” East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner M. War Nongbri said.
Officials said the curfew and ban on mobile Internet services have been imposed to prevent misuse of social media for fanning communal hatred.
“Service providers have been asked to limit the messaging service to five SMSes per day,” the State’s Home (Police) Department Secretary C.V.D. Diengdoh said.
The six districts where Internet services have been restricted are East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi, East Jaintia Hills and West Jaintia Hills.
Conard K Sangma on tension across the city
Chief minister Conard K Sangma informed that an inquiry has been instituted and different companies of central armed police forces (CAPF) have been deployed. He said that considering the spillover effect in the capital town, Internet has been suspended and curfew clamped since 10 pm on Friday.
The chief minister also informed that as per their information, a meeting on Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and Inner Line Permit (ILP) had ended in Ichamati and people were dispersing when miscreants came in large numbers and attacked the members of the KSU. In that clash, many sustained injuries while a person lost his life.