Shillong, Jan 20: As many as six people, including four women police personnel, were injured today in a clash between police and villagers protesting against the alleged decision of the dorbar shnong (village council) to allot land for constructing a school by the Ramakrishna Mission at Mawkynrew village.
The unrest prompted the East Khasi Hills district administration to immediately impose a curfew to prevent further deterioration of law and order in the area.
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In an official order, Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah stated, “In exercise of the powers conferred upon me under Section 163 BNSS, I do hereby promulgate curfew in the above site at Mawkynrew village with immediate effect till further orders. Areas to be under curfew: Mawkynrew village under Madanrting police station, East Khasi Hills district.”
The deputy commissioner clarified that the curfew was imposed following reports of vandalism and destruction of property at the Ramakrishna Mission School in Mawkynrew. “These activities are likely to continue with every likelihood of causing serious breach of peace and tranquillity and may lead to loss of life and property,” she said in the order.
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The clash erupted when residents from Mawleiñ and Mawkynrew villages, including both men and women, gathered in large numbers to protest the village council’s decision to allocate the disputed land. The protesters claimed that the land had previously been allotted to the Mawkynrew Sports Club for use as a playground and alleged that the reallocation to the Ramakrishna Mission was done without their knowledge or consent.
As tensions escalated, protesters attempted to forcibly enter the construction site, leading to a confrontation with police and a magistrate present at the scene. To disperse the agitated crowd, police resorted to lathi charges and fired tear gas shells. Despite these measures, the protesters continued their agitation, resulting in injuries to six individuals.
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East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed that four women police personnel and two members of the public were injured during the clash. “The situation is being brought under control,” he said, adding that an additional platoon of police has been deployed at the construction site to ensure peace and order.
(With inputs from Newmai News Network)