A total curfew has been imposed in Shillong and internet services have been shut down in the capital city of Meghalaya and several other parts of the state after stray incidence of violence marred Independence Day celebrations. The curfew will be in place till August 17, said a state government order.
A police vehicle of the Mawkynroh Police Outpost was set ablaze by unidentified men in Jaiaw locality in Shillong this afternoon. Police personnel aboard the vehicle, including the officer in-charge of the outpost, escaped the spot unhurt.
According to reports, the men seized the vehicle with weapons belonging to the police and took it for a ride before setting it on fire.
The four districts, where mobile internet services have been suspended are East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi district.
The whole municipal area of Shillong, the whole of cantonment area, all areas under Mawlai Block including census towns, all areas under Mawpat Block including census towns, areas under Mylliem Block from Umshyrpi Bridge up to 7th Mile in Upper Shillong, Madanrting, Mawblei, Laitkor, Nongkseh, Umlyngka, Lawsohtun, Mawdiangdiand, Diengiong, Siejiong will come under the purview of the curfew.
Protests erupted in Shillong following the killing of surrendered HNLC leader Chesterfield Thangkhiew in the early hours on Friday.
On Sunday, black flags were spotted in several locations in Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, during the Independence Day celebrations.
On the other hand, a clash erupted between protesters and police on the GS Road in Shillong. Angry protesters pelted stones at a police vehicle on Sunday morning.