Shillong, Oct 9: The state government has imposed a night curfew in Assam-Meghalaya border areas within the West Jaintia Hills district.
According to the West Jaintia Hills district administration, the night curfew will be effective from 6 pm to 10 am in view of the developing situation in Assam-Meghalaya border areas, as there is a likelihood of breach of law and order, which may endanger human lives and properties.
Movement of people at the entire Assam-Meghalaya border areas within the district, unauthorised procession or unlawful assembly of five or more persons and carrying or display of any object made or adapted to be used as weapons or any instrument which could reasonably be used to injure, intimidate or create public disorder in and around the entire Assam-Meghalaya border areas are prohibited.
The curfew was necessitated after a Karbi farmer died following a clash between Pnar and Karbi villagers in Lapangap village under the West Jaintia Hills district. Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police), Prestone Tynsong, said the clash happened despite efforts by police from both Meghalaya and Assam to ensure peace.
Tynsong said the incident happened when the residents of Lapangap were allowed to collect paddy from their fields under police supervision. However, a group from the Karbi side arrived, leading to a fight that resulted in one fatality.
The deceased Orivel Timung (45) is from Tahpat village of West Karbi-Anglong district. A few police personnel and villagers also sustained injuries during the incident.
“To make sure that things do not go out of control, the government has decided to clamp night curfew. I also came to know that the Assam government has also clamped a night curfew in that particular area. Hopefully, by tonight, we will be able to control the situation,” he told reporters.
When asked whether there will be a joint enquiry, Tynsong said, “Right now nothing of that sort… because certain procedures will have to be followed.”
“From our side, a few police personnel also sustained some injuries, but not that serious, and even a few villagers also sustained injuries. An FIR has been filed in the police station,” he said.
He appealed to the people to remain calm and respect the law.
“Right now, my only appeal to our own people is better to be cool and calm and, as of now, respect the law because curfew has been clamped, and they should not come out and let the police force take full control of that area. According to him, the issue is being taken up at the level of the chief secretary, DGP, DC and SP.
