SHILLONG/JOWAI:
Miscreants on Thursday night hurled a petrol bomb inside the Karbi Bhavan, near Pine Mount School in Shillong hours after a clash between two communities was reported from Khanduli village along the interstate border in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills district.
Confirming this on Friday, East Khasi Hills SP Sylvester Nongtnger said that so far no FIR has been lodged in connection with the incident.
He, however, said that police are still investigating the matter to nab those behind the arson attack.
Following yesterday’s clash during which stones were pelted and two huts set ablaze, residents of Khanduli on Friday decided to shut all trade between the border residents of West Jaintia Hills and Assam’s Karbi Anglong until peace is restored.
The clashes between Karbis and Pnar people residing in the interstate border started after the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) set up its tax entry gate within the limits of Khanduli village.
Both communities have restricted movement to their respective areas which has affected the farmers from Khanduli as most of their farm land, including paddy fields, are situated inside the Karbi-inhabited areas.
The Dorbar shnong of Khanduli village has also disallowed Karbi people from comint into Khanduli market.
Residents of Khanduli have alleged that their huts have been set on fire by Karbi people.
On May 11, the SP, West Jaintia Hills and the SP Hamren and also the Deputy Commissioner, Karbi Anglong visited the area after large numbers of Karbi people collected trying to enter Khanduli village allegedly to create some trouble. However, residents of Khanduli also came out to guard their village and prevented Karbi people from entering the village.
The SP’s official vehicle was stoned by Karbi people causing some damage.
“As of today, the situation is returning to normal, but we are closely monitoring it. Our officers, both administration and police are on the ground doing their jobs,” Chief Secretary DP Wahlang said on Friday.
He said, “Shortly after the skirmish yesterday, communication channels were opened at the CS and DGP level with our counterparts to prevent any further escalation of any trouble.”