The overall situation in the capital city has improved with no major incidents reported so far.
The total curfew that has applied in Greater Shillong for the last few days will be relaxed until 4 pm on Wednesday, the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner announced today.
Total curfew was imposed following violent protests against the controversial killing of ex-HNLC leader Cherishterfield Thangkhiew on August 13.
The killing of Thangkhiew labelled as ‘fake encounter’ has sparked violence against police including stone pelting and arson on police vehicles in various parts of Shillong prompting the administration to impose a total curfew from August 15 to contain the violence.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma informed that mobile internet service restriction will end by 6 pm on Wednesday.
Mobile internet access was blocked since August 15 evening in the four districts of East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills.
The Chief Minister told reporters that the overall situation is slightly calmer. He said the government has started the process of engaging and discussing with different stakeholders to ensure normalcy returns.
Meanwhile, the government has notified the names of members to be part of the ‘peace committee’ headed by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong.
The committee will include two cabinet ministers, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar and Hamletson Dohling, Mawlai MLA and MDC, Home Secretary, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, General Secretary and Assistant Secretary of the Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri U Hynñiewtrep, 17 rangbah shnongs of Mawlai, President and Secretary of the Seng Samla Mawlai Pyllun, five rangbah shongs of Jaiaw and presidents of the Khasi Students Union, Hynñiewtrep Youth Council and Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People.
Meanwhile, shops selling essential commodities in Greater Shillong will be allowed to open daily until Saturday. The shops can open from 9 am to 3pm.
The order applies to all zones within Greater Shillong. Half of all non-essential shops are permitted to open on each day. This will be regulated by the Incident Commander of each zone in consultation with the community coronavirus management teams (CCMTs) concerned.
Post offices are allowed to operate with 30 per cent staff and must close by 3 pm. Banks can serve customers until 1:30pm and must close by 3 pm also.
State and central government offices, offices of educational institutions and private offices that have already obtained permission will be permitted at 30 per cent workforce strength and shall close by 3 pm.
Inter and intra-district movement of vehicles is allowed only for those having valid passes.
Any public gathering, public meeting, rally, etc is not permitted.
Curfew exemptions will be applicable for medical emergencies, Covid-19 and hospital duty, staff of DIPR, municipal essential services, MeECL maintenance, press and media (with DIPR passes) and pharmacies.
