After clashes broke out between groups, authorities impose curfew, ban internet in Shillong

Situation in Meghalaya's capital Shillong was tensed till Friday evening even after authorities decided to impose curfew in at least 14 localities in the city following clashes between two groups.

Shillong, June 2: Situation in Meghalaya's capital Shillong was tensed till Friday evening even after the authorities decided to impose curfew in at least 14 localities in the city following clashes between two groups which began on Thursday.

The authorities also banned mobile internet and SMS services in Shillong till the situation turns normal, stated various media reports. According to The Indian Express, problem erupted in the city following an argument between a Punjabi woman and a local Khasi boy on Thursday.

Thereafter, violent protests and clashes broke out in various parts of the city on Friday which forced the authorities to impose curfew in Shillong. Authorities blame social media for spread of rumours following the Thursday's incident.

"We are monitoring the law and order situation closely in Shillong. Efforts are being made to bring normalcy in the affected areas. Request the citizens to maintain peace," Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma was quoted as saying by The Indian Express. The CM also held an emergency meeting with the state home Minister and other Cabinet ministers over the ongoing tension in Shillong.

Stephen Rynjah, superintendent of police (city), East Khasi Hills, told The Indian Express, "At least 10 people were arrested for separate incidents of violence that started on Thursday morning. One among them is an accused in the beating up of a minor boy which led to the violence. The others (arrested) are for the violence last evening. The minor's condition is stable now."

After the argument between the boy and the woman turned ugly, residents of a locality where the woman stays, beat up the boy. The argument started after the bus in which the minor was travelling and driven by his relative was parked at the residential area where the woman stays.

The woman alleged that the bus was wrongly parked leading to the verbal duel. After the boy was assaulted, mob, including bus drivers, attacked residents at the locality where the incident first started.