Shillong, March 2: Post poll violence was reported from Mairang , Eastern West Khasi Hills and Sahsniang, West Jaintia Hills.
Angry mob torched atleast six vehicles (in picture)and vandalised the office of the Deputy Commissioner in Mairang compelling the police to resort to blank firing.
DGP LR Bishnoi said the supporters of the losing candidate (Congress), who wanted to enter the DC’s office, pelted stones and threw petrol bombs demanding recounting of votes.
“Six vehicles were torched by the mob and police fired a few rounds in the air to disperse the crowd”, he said.
A body was recovered but the cause of the death can be ascertained only by a post mortem report, the DGP said.
DIG, Eastern Range Davis Marak has left for Mairang to assess the situation.
Deputy Commissioner W Nongsiej said the officials were compelled to take shelter in a secured place due to the violence.
Chief Secretary DP Wahlang said the supporters of the party (Congress) in Mairang which was leading initially wanted counting of votes again but it should have been demanded before the declaration of the results.
The crowd gheraoed the office of the deputy commissioner leading to a scuffle between the police and the public.
The crowd is now dispersing, Wahlang said.
Stone pelting in Sohra
Stone pelting targetting the office of the Sub Divisional Officer (SDO), Sohra also took place after NPP candidate Grace Kharpuri (Shella) was declared winner by a local news channel.
The supporters were disappointed when the actual winner (UDP candidate) was declared leading to stone pelting. Some windows were damaged.
The votes of Shella were counted in Sohra.
The West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner ordered curfew in Sahsniang under Mowkaiaw following the violent incidents in the area.
UDP candidate Nujorki Sungoh won the seat.
Problem arose after a victory procession through Sahsniang was prevented.
The order of the deputy commissioner said information has been received of post-counting violence in Sahsniang village, and there is an apprehension that the violence may spread and intensify if left unattended and may result in destruction of property and possibility of loss of lives.
“Whereas, I am satisfied that the news of the same is prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order. Whereas, I am satisfied that curfew may be declared in these areas to ensure
that the violence is stopped immediately and that public peace is restored in the area”, the DC BS. Sohliya said.
