Shillong, May 19: The state government has deployed additional forces to prevent violence following the torching of around 15 trucks of Star Cement company in East Jaintia Hills.
According to the police, on May 18, evening, information was received that a road accident was reported on the premises of Star Cement, where a local individual was run over by a truck leading to protests by locals.
Police officers and staff from Lumshnong police station arrived in the area and additional forces were deployed.
Police learned that in the evening, a road accident occurred near Wahiajer village, NH-06 involving a Star Cement truck and a pick-up truck. The Star Cement truck driven by a local fled the scene after the collision. The pick-up truck driver along with others pursued the cement truck driver up to the Star Cement premises.
Upon, arrival, the pick-up driver who is also a local, climbed onto the Star Cement truck and assaulted the driver and in an attempt to flee or drive forward, the cement truck ran over the pick-up driver resulting in his death.
Following the incident, around 300 individuals armed with daos and other weapons from nearby locality, gathered at the Star Cement compound and started destroying the sentry post, CCTV equipment, and attacking the Security Guard. The agitated crowd blocked the removal of the body of the victim, which was later managed and sent to Civil Hospital, Khliehriat. Within minutes, the mob managed to set 14-15 trucks ablaze at the parking area and other premises of Star Cement. Immediately. fire tenders were requisitioned, but the mob started attacking the Star Cement fire brigade personnel too and attempted to damage the fire tender. Police attempted to stop the crowd from burning down the fire tender and attacking security personnel, but the mob started attacking police personnel who were trying to control the situation and protect life and property. Later, upon the arrival of additional force, the situation was brought under control and the mob dispersed and the fire was doused. Following the incident, additional police forces have been stationed at Star Cement and administrative officers are on high alert to prevent further escalation of violence, the police said.
In this regard, a case has been registered.
