The District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills, Rosetta Mary Kurbah, has imposed a curfew in Mawkynrew Village under Madanrting Police Station following escalating concerns over law and order. The decision comes in the wake of vandalism and property destruction at the under-construction Ramakrishna Mission School in the area.
“Whereas, information is received that there is a serious deterioration of law & order in areas under Mawkynrew Village under Madanting PS with reports of vandalism causing destruction to property and person at Ramakrishna Mission School, Mawkynrew. Whereas, these activities are likely to continue with every likelihood of causing serious breach of peace and tranquility and may lead to loss of life and property,” stated the District Magistrate in her order.
The curfew, enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), will remain in effect until further notice. The directive, issued ex parte due to the urgent need to restore peace, applies specifically to Mawkynrew Village. Residents have been urged to adhere to the restrictions to maintain security in the region.
The unrest stems from a violent clash on Monday between residents and law enforcement. The unrest led to police resorting to lathi charges and firing tear gas shells to disperse the protesters.
The dispute arose over the allocation of land by Mawkynrew Pyllun village authorities to the Ramakrishna Mission for constructing a school. Protesters from Mawleiñ and Mawkynrew villages, including men and women, expressed their outrage, claiming the land was previously designated for the Mawkynrew Sports Club as a playground. They alleged the reallocation decision was made without their knowledge or consent.
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police East Khasi Hills Vivek Syiem said, “Police registering case first and then investigation will happen and we will take action.”
Asked, he said, “Altogether six people sustained minor injuries, four women police personnel sustained minor injury and 2 public were injured. Situation under control and curfew imposed.”