Silchar returns to normalcy

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR, June 8:  The outburst of violence on last Monday at Kalibari Chor and Water Works Road of this town led to an unpleasant situation, forcing the clamping of Section 144 CRPC through an order issued by S Viswathan, IAS, Deputy Commissioner and also the District Magistrate of Cachar. The eloping of a young woman with a man of different religion was the origition point of such a chaotic situation. People were being attacked and hurt, vehicles being damaged, burnt and attacked upon by some miscreants.

They damaged a Bolero, around four auto-rickshaws were completely smashed up by the miscreants. Miscreants also attacked Soi MLA Aminul Haque Laskar and damaged his car, when he went there to control the situation. Though the situation returned to normalcy for two and a half hour, yet there was a palpable tension among the masses. Shops were kept shuttered and streets emptied. By 9 pm on that fateful night, a few could be seen on the streets. Both the police and the district administration left no stone unturned in forcing to disperse the angry mob.

 Police and the CRPF personnel had to resort to lathi-charge, blank firing to bring the situation under control. The girl who eloped was to be produced before the court. However, police thought otherwise that it could lead to a chaotic situation and thus sought more days for producing her. A number of miscreants gathered at the premises of the court. They also started asking people about their religious identities. The miscreants also attacked a cameraperson. Ten rounds of blank fire were shot. Incidents of violence were seen at Premtala, Bhowal Point and Tulapatty of this town. Quick Reaction Team was also employed by the police administration to bring the situation under control. The girl has been released with a PR Bond of Rs.7000 through an order issued by Sutapa Bhushan, first class Judicial Magistrate. The girl will be escorted to her place of choice. The Superintendent of Police has been asked to maintain law and order situation by Sutapa Bhushan. Lawyers are of the opinion that since the marriage has been conducted through Special Marriage Act and the girl has attained legal age; law cannot stop it.  The girl is 21 years of age and is a teacher at a private school.