Ten members of the Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) were arrested after they pelted stones at the police and magistrates, who were stopping them from taking out a protest march towards the Secretariat on Monday.
Police had to resort to lathi charge and firing of tearing gases after the HITO members started pelted stones at them.
HITO president Donbok Dkhar was summoned by the investigation officer (IO) at Sadar police station in connection with a case registered against him in July for wearing of black uniforms without any permission.
Speaking to exclusively to Meghalaya News 24, East Khasi Hills district SP Sylvester Nongtnger said that actually, the IO had called only the president of HITO to appear before the Sadar police station but today they came in a huge number.
“Of course, we allowed 5-6 of them to enter the police station premises while the other were waiting outside. After we recorded his statement then he along with others were allowed to leave the police station,” Nongtnger said.
He said, “The HITO members led by Donbok Dkhar who were gathering outside the main gate of Sadar PS forcefully attempted to march towards the main secretariat to dump their placards as instructed by the President Donbok Dkhar. On reaching Kachari Point they were stopped by the authority as no prior permission was given by the District Administration as well as the procession was in violation of the order U/s 144 CrPC passed by the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, Shillong.”
“ Thereupon, HITO members turned violent and forcefully pushed the human barricade, officers and men on duty. As a result of which 1 (one) magistrate on duty and 3 Police personnel were assaulted by HITO members and they sustained injuries on their persons. In order to control the unruly mob, Police used stun grenades and mild lathi charge to disperse the unlawful assembly and in the process the pressure group pelted stones at the Police resulting in head injury to 1 (one) Dy. Superintendent of Police. The injured persons were shifted to Hospital for their medical treatment,” The SP added.