Meghalaya: Violence erupts between police and HITO members in Shillong during dress code protest

Violence erupted in Shillong on September 4 as clashes erupted between law enforcement and members of the Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO).

The turmoil unfolded when HITO members took to the streets in protest against the summoning of their leadership to the Shillong Sadar Police Station. The controversy revolved around HITO members wearing black attire as their uniform, which the police labeled as a violation of Section 171 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

The situation escalated when HITO members attempted to storm the main secretariat building. In response, police resorted to tear gas shelling to disperse the protesting individuals.

This occurred following the summoning of HITO leaders by the police due to their wearing of "black uniforms," which they deemed a violation of Section 171 of the CrPC.

However, as the police cordoned off HITO members at the SBI Main Office on GS Road to manage the crowd attempting to breach the Secretariat office, tear gas was employed by the police, leading HITO members to retaliate by hurling stones and bottles at the police.

Most shops remained closed, and GS Road toward Khyndailad wore a deserted look, as many feared the situation might escalate.