Shillong, Aug 7: Seven police personnel were injured after violence broke out at a Dorbar of Hima Langrin at Phlangdiloin, South West Khasi Hills, today after an opposing group allegedly disrupted the proceedings and clashed with security forces.
The dorbar had begun peacefully at 11:30am, according to the SWKH Superintendent of Police, with around 1,500 people, mainly supporters of the Syiem, gathering for the meeting.
However, an equal number of persons opposed to the Syiem also then arrived at the venue, which was the Hima Langrin compound, the SP, Banraplang Jyrwa, said.
Police and magistrates on duty initially managed to contain attempts to disrupt the dorbar. However, the situation deteriorated around 12:15pm.
“Towards the conclusion of the meeting, at around 12:15pm, a section of the opposing group became unruly and resorted to violence by damaging chairs and other property at the venue,” Jyrwa stated.
When police and magistrates moved to prevent further damage and to block the mob from advancing towards the stage, members of the group allegedly began pelting stones.
“Minimal force” had to be used to disperse the violent mob and prevent further escalation, the SP said in a statement. The opposing group eventually retreated and dispersed.
In the incident, seven police personnel sustained injuries, one of them serious. All the injured are undergoing treatment.
The SP said the situation is now normal and under control. Adequate security personnel have been deployed in and around the area and are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further disturbance.
