Life limping back to normalcy in Shillong, but curfew reimposed as precautionary measure

Life was limping back to normalcy in Meghalaya's capital with no fresh clashes reported even as authorities reimposed curfew in the entire city this evening as a precautionary measure.

The hill town has been in the grip of violence since Thursday following a clash between the Sikh residents in Shillong's Punjabi Lane area and the Khasi drivers of state-run buses.

The 14 vulnerable localities under Lumdiengjri police station and Cantonment Beat House have been perpertually under curfew since June 1.

But, in rest of the city, after relaxation of prohibitory order for nearly 11 hours, it was clamped again from 4 pm today till 5 am tomorrow like it was done yesterday, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner P S Dkhar said.

Paramilitary personnel continued to patrol the city and the army which had conducted flag march for the third time last night, has been kept on standby.

There was no report of fresh clash from any part of the city, Dkhar said.

"Over 90 per cent shops in Police Bazaar, and parts of Bara Bazaar opened this morning. People were seen buying supplies at the two marts. Taxis were also plying on thoroughfares, but buses still remained off roads," he added.

The top official said the home department was yet to take a call on restoring internet and messaging services in the state capital.

It may be recalled that Punjabis were brought here 200 years ago by the British to work.

Criticising the BJP-backed Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government, the Opposition Congress demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident that took place at the Punjabi lane area of the city and snowballed into five days of clashes between protesters and the police.

We urge upon the state government to immediately constitute a judicial inquiry and further proceed as per the provisions of the law to restore peace, Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma told reporters after the CLP meeting at his residence here.

Pointing to media briefing of the General Officer in Charge of 101 Area of the Army just before flag march last night, Mukul Sangma said "if Union Ministry of Home Affairs is calling the shots for office of the chief ministers or state Home department, it is very dangerous trend. This demonstrates lack of competency of this Government."
Manager of Hotel Centre Point told PTI that they had full booking of rooms for yesterday and today "but only 10 per cent of guests have checked in."
USO member Mohinderjit Singh told media persons after the delegation's