Shillong Violence: Curfew Reimposed after Stabbings in Bara Bazar Area

Shillong, February  29, 2020:

Curfew in Meghalaya capital Shillong has been reimposed following a series of stabbings in Shillong town's iconic Bara Bazar.

Talking to Inside Northeast, Claudia Lyngwa, the SP of East Khasi Hills says that curfew has been reimposed in the areas under Shillong police station and the Lumdiengjri police station after confusion and stabbing earlier today in Bara Bazaar.

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"A curfew that had been imposed yesterday was lifted earlier today at 8 pm. So, lots of people turned up to take part in the bazaar that is held on Saturday in Bara Bazaar. Then, suddenly there was a lot of running and miscreants started stabbing. Police has received that several people have been stabbed", Lyngwa added.

Meanwhile, media reports have stated that at least one person has been shifted to Shillong Civil Hospital due to injuries.

It may be recalled that on Friday, the state government imposed curfew in Shillong and adjoining areas, and telecom services were snapped in six districts. One person has been killed in the clashes that began on Friday over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA row.

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East Khasi Hills SP Claudia Lyngwa informed us that the person who was killed belongs to the Khasi community and was the father of several children. Lurshai Hynniewta, who worked as a taxi driver, was reportedly killed by "accident" as he got caught in communal violence.

He was killed after clashes began on Friday between members of the Khasi Students Union and non-tribals in Ichamati area of Meghalaya’s East Khasi hills district.

Meghalaya government observed that “law and order situation has arisen in East Khasi Hills District including incidents of vandalism and arson which have a potential to disturb public peace and tranquility and cause a threat to public safety…”

So, what is the reason behind the unrest in Shillong?

"The Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests started it all. So perhaps that is the reason behind the violence in Shillong", the SP said.

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