Army Holds flag MARCH In Shillong; Cop Hurt In CLASH

SHILLONG: Curfew continued in parts of Shillong for the second day on Saturday as the Army conducted flag marches in disturbed areas and rescued several people following nightlong violence and arson during which a mob torched a shop, a house and damaged at least five vehicles here, besides injuring a senior police officer, officials said on Saturday.

The Army was requisitioned by the state government to conduct flag march in the affected areas. Army troops conducted the flag march and rescued about 500 people, including 200 women and children, Defence spokesperson Ratnakar Singh said.

He added that the rescued civilians were given food and water and have been sheltered at the Army cantonment here. General Officer Commanding 101 Area Lt Gen D S Ahuja visited the affected people at the Army cantonment. Superintendent of Police (City) Stephan Rynjah sustained injuries after he was hit by a rod. He has been admitted to the Shillong Civil Hospital, a senior police officer said. At least 10 persons, including policemen, have been injured in the violence, which has triggered demands that the government take action against alleged illegal settlers in the area.

State police personnel were attacked by stone pelters in the Motphran area of the city. Teargas shells were used to disperse rioters but people in other parts of the city mistook them for police firing, the officer said.