SHILLONG:
At least ten members of the Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) were arrested on September 4 after a protest in the city turned violent with the former pelting stones at the police and the latter responding with stun grenades.
The police were trying to stop the protesters from marching towards the Secretariat when the violence unfolded; the HITO members apart from pelting stones also assaulted a magistrate and police personnel.
The trouble had its genesis in a summon served on the HITO president, Donbok Dkhar, to report to the investigation officer (IO) at Sadar police station in connection with a case registered against him in July.
The case under section 171/ 34 IPC r/w 105 of the MP Act related to wearing of black uniforms (which were similar to the ones used by police special operation team (SOT) by HITO members.
Police had to resort to lathi charge and use of the stun grenades after the HITO members started pelting stones at them while trying to force their way to the Secretariat to dump their placards.
A deputy superintendent of police (Dy.SP) sustained head injury during the incident.
Speaking to reporters, East Khasi Hills district Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtnger said that actually, the IO had called only the HITO president to appear before the Sadar police station but they came in a huge number.
According to police, before Dkhar went to Sadar police station to get his statement recorded, HITO members numbering around 40-50 led by him, Gary Marboh, Shaniah Nongrum, James L Nongpiur and Wanbun N. Dkhar assembled at SMB Parking Lot Opposite SBI Main Branch GS Road without prior permission from district administration displaying flags and placards.
The Magistrate along with police officials had intervened to persuade members of HITO to disperse and let the president to proceed to Sadar police station for recording his statement.
Nongtnger said that the HITO members did not heed the instruction of the Magistrate and instead collectively marched on foot to Sadar police station through Police Bazar (Khyndailad).
“Of course, we allowed 5-6 of them to enter the police station premises while the others were waiting outside. After we recorded his statement then he along with others was allowed to leave the police station,” Nongtnger said.
He said police later came to learn that the HITO members had decided to take out a protest march towards the Secretariat.
On reaching Kachari Point they were stopped as no prior permission was given by the district administration and also that the procession was in violation of the order U/s 144 CrPC passed by the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills.
“Thereupon, HITO members turned violent and forcefully pushed the human barricade, officers and men on duty. As a result of which one magistrate on duty and 3 police personnel were assaulted by HITO members and they sustained injuries on their persons. In order to control the unruly mob, police used stun grenades ( according to one definition, it is a non-lethal grenade which is used to disturb the senses of enemies by its loud noise and its bright light) and mild lathi charge to disperse the unlawful assembly and in the process the pressure group pelted stones at the police resulting in head injury to one DSP. The injured persons were shifted to hospital for their medical treatment,” Nongtnger said.
The SP informed that ten persons have been apprehended in this connection and a case registered.
When asked, he said, “The case was that they were wearing black uniforms without permission. That is why a case was registered and he was summoned to the thana to record his statement.”
HYC CONDEMNS
The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) strongly condemned the police action of hurling a stun grenade in one of tea stalls at the parking lot opposite SBI main branch in Police Bazar.
In a statement, HYC general secretary Roy Kupar Synrem said that videos of the incident had gone viral showing that a policeman was throwing a stun grenade inside the tea shop. His action could have led to loss of lives. Fortunately, there was no LPG cylinder inside the said shop.
“We strongly demand immediate action against the concerned policeman and the other officers for failing in their duty. We also demand investigation to find out whether the policeman had done such illegal action on his own or he was just following orders,” he said.
He said that the government should pay compensation to the shop owner and bear medical expenses of those injured due to the incident.