Shillong, Aug 7: Seven police personnel were injured after two groups supporting as well as opposing the Syiem of Hima Langrin clashed each other during the meeting of Dorbar, on Friday.
In a statement, the Superintendent of Police, South West Khasi Hills, Banraplang Jyrwa said that around 11.30 am, the meeting of the Dorbar of Hima Langrin commenced peacefully at the compound of the office of Hima Langrin at Phlangdiloin. Approximately 1,500 people, primarily supporters of the Syiem, attended the meeting.
During the course of the meeting, another faction comprising around 1500 persons opposed to the Syiem arrived at the venue on the pretext of attending the meeting. While the proceedings were underway, members of the opposing faction attempted to disrupt the meeting. However, due to the timely intervention and presence of the police personnel and magistrates deployed at the venue, the situation was initially brought under control and the proceedings were allowed to continue.
Towards the conclusion of the meeting, around 12:15 pm a section of the opposing group became unruly and resorted to violence by damaging chairs and other property at the venue. When the magistrates and the police personnel intervened to prevent further damage and to stop the mob from advancing towards the stage, members of the mob resorted to stone pelting against the police personnel.
In order to disperse the violent mob and prevent further escalation of the situation, minimal force had to be used. Despite the same, the mob continued and intensified its violent actions. The police force, however, maintained restraint and firmness and succeeded in preventing the mob from advancing further. Subsequently, the opposing group retreated from the venue and dispersed.
During the course of the incident, approximately seven police personnel sustained injuries, of whom one police personnel sustained serious injuries. Necessary medical attention is being provided to the injured personnel.
At present, the situation has returned to normalcy and is under control. Adequate police personnel continue to remain deployed in and around the area, and the situation is being kept under close and continuous watch to prevent any further untoward incident. An FIR is being awaited from the office of the Syiem of the Hima Langrin for further legal action in this regard, Jyrwa said.
