Shillong: Large number of protestors carry out protests violating Section 144

A conglomerate of NGOs from the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, such as HYC, HANM, JSM, and Confederation of Ri Bhoi People under one flag “Save Hynniewtrep Mission” on November 1 gathered in front of the IGP point in Shillong. 

They broke the 144CrPC, imposed by the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills District. 

Their demands include the implementation of the Inner Line Permit, inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, the solution to the long-pending Harijan Colony issue, and review of the MoU signed between Meghalaya and Assam in phase I of border talks.

Some leaders of the Save Hynniewtrep also met Home Minister Lakmen Rymbui.

On October 31, in a bid to prevent any groups or any element from blatantly misusing rallies/processions to indulge in criminal acts, the East Khasi Hills district magistrate had imposed Section 144 CrPC.

In this regard, the District Magistrate (DM), East Khasi Hills, Shillong passed an order which read,'' In view of the urgency of the matter, this order is being passed ex parte and it shall come into force with immediate effect and remain in force until further orders''. 

The DM further said that several NGOs/ groups/organizers carry out processions/ rallies within the city limits of Shillong from time to time for protesting against various issues and they do not comply with either one of many of the conditions imposed by the district administration.

“It is learnt that other NGOs and groups are also planning similar events such as ‘surprise rallies’ within the limits of Shillong City and hence the order,” the DM added.