8 arrested in Ichamati clash, govt announces ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh to family of KSU member

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 29, 2020

Eight persons have been arrested in connection with the killing of a KSU activist, Lurshai Hynniewta during a clash at Ichamati near Shella village in East Khasi Hills District.

After reviewing the law and order situation on Saturday, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma also announced the decision of the government to provide ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased activist.

“The government has decided to give an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and I would like to express our solidarity and support with the people especially the family members of the deceased,” Sangma said.

Sangma informed based on the FIRs that were lodged, eight persons have been arrested from Ichamati and cases against them have been registered.

He said it was a very prompt action that was taken by the police of East Khasi Hills and different measures have been taken last night and overall situation has been observed.

Stating that the situation is under control but still a bit of tension is there, the chief minister said curfew has been imposed in some parts of the city and suspension of mobile internet will continue.

He said a magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the Ichamati-clash incident and report will be submitted very soon.

Sangma also appeal to all citizens including different social organizations to refrain from any kind of violent activity to ensure peace and tranquility is restored.

The chief minister further informed that the government will ensure manpower of the administration in the Sohra civil sub-division is strengthened.

He said additional central forces are also arriving in the state to ensure law and order is maintained in the state.

Hynniewta (35), a resident of Khliehshnong Sohra succumbed to his injuries after a clash broke out between the KSU members and non-locals of Ichamati area on Friday afternoon, East Khasi Hills SP Claudia A Lyngwa said.

The incident had taken place after an anti-Citizenship Act meeting held at Ichamati market.

She said thereafter the KSU members burnt a haystack at the edge of the market and attempted to burn a house. The non-tribals retaliated and stoned one bus carrying KSU members.

One local taxi which had gone to collect the KSU members from the Ichamati market after the clashes was damaged; one vehicle of the EAC J Umdor, MCS also got damaged.

Four members of KSU were injured, two were sent to Ichamati CHC and released, two were referred to Sohra CHC.