12 days after clashes, mobile internet restored in Shillong

STATE WAS IN THE GRIP OF VIOLENCE SINCE MAY 29 AFTER A FIGHT BETWEEN CITY’S SIKH RESIDENTS AND KHASI BUS DRIVERS

SHILLONG :Mobile Internet services were restored in Shillong, and Khasi and Jaintia hill districts of Meghalaya on Wednesday, 12 days after violent clashes between local Khasi people and Sikh community members rocked the areas.

The state had been in the grip of violence since May 29 following a fight between Sikh residents in the city’s Punjabi Lane area, and Khasi drivers of staterun buses. More than 10 people, including policemen and CRPF personnel, were injured in the ensuing clashes.

Mobile Internet and messaging services were suspended in seven districts of Khasi and Jaintia hills region June 1. The messaging service was restored on June 7.

Shillong is in East Khasi district.

“The home department, which reviewed the situation today, has lifted the order of suspension of mobile Internet services,” East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner PS Dkhar told PTI. He said the decision was taken after the government received inputs from the police that the situation has returned to normal.

The night curfew imposed in the 14 affected localities under Lumdiengjri police station area and Cantonment Beat House has been further relaxed by two hours, Dkhar said.

Night curfew in the affected areas will begin at 8pm and end at 5am the next day beginning Wednesday, he said, adding night curfew in the entire state capital is yet to be lifted and will remain in force from 10 pm till 5 am the next day.