Mawkyrwat, August 7: A meeting of the Dorbar of Hima Langrin turned violent on Friday afternoon after a group opposing the Syiem allegedly disrupted the proceedings, leading to clashes in which seven police personnel sustained injuries, including one who was seriously injured.
According to a press release issued by the Superintendent of Police, South West Khasi Hills, the Dorbar meeting commenced peacefully at around 11:30 am at the compound of the Office of Hima Langrin in Phlangdiloin. Around 1,500 people, primarily supporters of the Syiem, attended the meeting.
Police said that during the course of the meeting, another faction comprising approximately 1,500 persons opposed to the Syiem arrived at the venue on the pretext of attending the meeting. While the proceedings were underway, members of the opposing faction allegedly attempted to disrupt the gathering. However, the timely intervention of police personnel and magistrates deployed at the venue initially brought the situation under control, allowing the meeting to continue.
Towards the conclusion of the meeting at around 12:15 pm, a section of the opposing group allegedly became unruly and resorted to violence by damaging chairs and other property at the venue. When magistrates and police personnel intervened to prevent further damage and stop the mob from advancing towards the stage, members of the mob allegedly pelted stones at the police.
To disperse the violent crowd and prevent further escalation, police said minimal force had to be used. Despite this, the mob reportedly intensified its violent actions. The police, however, maintained restraint and succeeded in preventing the crowd from advancing further. The opposing group later retreated from the venue and dispersed.
During the incident, approximately seven police personnel sustained injuries, with one officer suffering serious injuries. The injured personnel are receiving necessary medical treatment.
Police said the situation has since returned to normal and remains under control. Adequate police personnel continue to be deployed in and around the area, and the situation is being closely monitored to prevent any further untoward incidents.
An FIR from the office of the Syiem of Hima Langrin is awaited, following which further legal action will be initiated, the police added.
