City situation improves, more relaxation of curfew

Staff Correspondent

Shillong, June 7: With the return of near normalcy in 12 sensitive locations under Lumdiengjri police station, curfew has been relaxed for nine hours. The District Magistrate, East Khasi Hill District has relaxed curfew in areas under Lumdiengjri PS in Jaiaw, Mawkhar, Umsohsun, Riatsamthiah, Wahingdoh, Mission, Mawprem, Lumdiengjri, Lamavilla, Qualapatty, Wahthapbru, Sunny Hill, Cantonment, Mawlong Hat including Cantonment Beat House Areas (excluding localities beyond Umshyrpi bridge) for 9 hours on June 8 from 7.00 am to 4.00 pm till further orders. However, night curfew in other areas of shillong continue from 8:00 pm to 5: 00 am.

Superentendent of Police (Shillon city) Stephan Rynjah told newsmen that the situation is limping back to normalcy except for inputs that there are vested interest who are trying to create the same situation that threw shillong city into turmoil. “We are focusing on these vested forces and the traditional village bodies in the most affected areas are working with us to neutralize such elements”. Rynjah did not deny that most of the stone pelters were not from Shillong city. “The Village council functionaries does not even know them nor understand the dialect of the stone pelters when they tried to pacify them,” stated the SP.

At least 40 odd stone pelters have been arrested and have been forwarded to court in the past three days. While the actual data of the civilian injured is not known, there were 100 odd policemen who were injured in the five days of pitch battle in and around Mothphran area. There is more of injury suffered by policemen because of the restraint shown, stated Rynjah.

Meanwhile, the security forces continue to maintain a tight vigil at Mothphran, the epi-centre of the conflict.