Meghalaya: Curfew Reimposed In Shillong, Internet Suspended In 6 Districts After One Killed In Clashes Over CAA

Curfew was reimposed Saturday noon in some areas of Shillong town while internet services remained suspended in the six districts of the Eastern Range as a precautionary measure following clashes between Khasi Students' Union (KSU) members and non-tribals over the amended Citizenship Act on Friday. One person was killed in clashes between KSU members and non-tribals during a meeting on CAA and inner line permit (ILP) in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills. The clashes broke out during the meeting held in Ichamati area of the district on Friday, PTI reported quoting officials. Earlier, an overnight curfew was imposed in Shillong and adjoining areas and lifted at 8 AM on Saturday. 

Curfew was imposed in Shillong agglomeration and adjoining areas from 10 pm of February 28 to 8 am on February 29. Most shops and businesses in the city were closed even after the curfew ended, officials said. Curfew was reimposed at noon in the areas under Lumdiengjri and Sadar police stations of Shillong town, they said, adding that five additional companies of armed police forces have been deployed in sensitive areas. The situation in the state is under control and a close watch is being maintained, an official told PTI.

Mobile internet services have been suspended in six districts -East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi, West Khasi Hills an South West Khasi hills - of the state from Friday night for 48-hours, officials said. Officials said SMSes will be limited to five per day.

Police have arrested six persons in connection with the attack on the rally at Ichamati on Friday leading to the death of a pro-ILP activist, officials said.

Meghalaya Governor Tathagata Roy has appealed to people to stay calm and not pay attention to rumours. "I appeal to all citizens in Meghalaya, tribal or non-tribal, keep calm. Don't spread rumours and don't listen to rumours. The chief minister has spoken to me. He assured me he is taking all necessary steps. The prime requirement now is to maintain law and order," the governor said in a statement.

Meghalaya Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has condemned the incident in Ichamati. Rymbui said a magisterial inquiry has been initiated into the incident to find out the truth. He said the curfew was clamped and mobile internet services suspended as a precautionary measure.

(With PTI Inputs)