7 HITO members arrested in stone pelting incident in protest against summon of president for wearing black uniform

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 4, 2023

At least seven members of the Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) were arrested after they pelted stones at the police and magistrates, who were stopping them from taking out a protest march towards the Secretariat on Monday. 

This came after the HITO president Donbok DKhar was summoned by the investigation officer (IO) at Sadar police station in connection with a case registered against him in July. 

The case under section 171 and 34 IPC r/w 105 of the MP Act was related to the wearing of black uniforms by the HITO members. The black uniforms are similar to the ones worn by police SOT. 

Dkhar was however accompanied by hundred of HITO members. 

City police had to resort to lathi charge and firing of tearing gases after the HITO members started pelted stones at the police while trying to force their way to the Secretariat. 

In the process, a deputy superintendent of police (Dy.SP) sustained injuries during the incident.

Speaking to reporters, East Khasi Hills district SP Sylvester Nongtnger said that actually, the IO had called only the president of HITO to appear before the Sadar police station but today they came in a huge number. 

“Of course, we allowed 5-6 of them to enter the police station premises while the other were waiting outside. After we recorded his statement then he along with others were allowed to leave the police station,” Nongtnger said.

“When they left  from there, we learnt that they wanted to come to secretariat to throw all the placards that they were carrying with them. On knowing so, they were intercepted at DC junction by the magistrate and police. 

On reaching there, it (situation) turned ugly they pelted stones to our policemen and magistrates and manhandled women police and also they pelted stones at Dy SP and he received minor injury. In the process, we have given mild lathi charge and tear gas,” he added. 

The SP informed that as of now 6-7 members of the HITO have been arrested. 

When asked, he said, “The case was that they are wearing black uniform without permission. That is why case was registered and he was summoned to the thana to record his statement.”