Shillong Burning! What led to a fiery upheaval in the state when the country was celebrating its 75t

• Image Credit: Internet

• Aug 16, 2021 | moderator

Shillong: An uneasy calm persists in the by-lanes of Shillong city after witnessing a day full of arson, vandalism, violent protests by the supporters of HNLC (Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council). A question arises here as to what led to this fiery upheaval in Shillong on a day when the country was celebrating its 75th Day of Independence?

Reports suggest that a group of people came out in protest against the ‘killing’ of their former HNLC leader Chesterfield Thangkhiew. Several unidentified miscreants took to the streets, shouting slogans, pelting stones, torching police vehicles, taking out bike rallies, and putting up black flags in various spots of the capital city of Meghalaya during the day.

Various sources point towards a group, identified as the ‘voice of Mawlai people’, who took out the procession and allegedly put up the black flags in various parts of Shillong. The activists of the organization, huddled in large numbers at the Mawlai Bus stand to protest against the ‘killing’ of their former leader.

Following the fear of turmoil and breach in peace of the neighbouring areas, the district administration announced TOTAL CURFEW beginning 15th of August 2021 from 8 pm, which shall continue to remain in force until 5 am of 17th of August 2021. Internet connection has been disconnected for 48 hours in four districts of Meghalaya to prevent exchanging any misleading information on social media. People from Assam have been advised not to visit the state till the curfew stays.

Surrendered Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) Chesterfield Thangkhiew died in the early hours on Friday, 13th of August in a retaliatory firing by Meghalaya police in Shillong. As reported by a Police official, a joint team of East Jaintia Hills police and East Khasi Hills Police invaded the house of the former HNLC leader Chesterfield Thangkhiew around 3 am on Friday at Kyton Massar in Mawlai in connection with a recent grenade blast incident in the state.