GUWAHATI
The East Khasi Hills district administration in Meghalaya imposed a curfew on Monday (January 20, 2025) in areas falling under the Mawkynrew village after a violent mob tried to dismantle a school. The mob attack, thwarted by the police, was linked to the Mawynrew village ‘sordar’ or chief’s opposition to a no-objection certificate issued by his predecessor to the Ramakrishna Mission to establish the school in 2022.
“We prevented a mob of some 250 people from dismantling the school. The mob also tried to attack our personnel, who exercised restraint,” the district’s Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said.
He said the situation was controlled, but some police personnel were deployed to prevent untoward incidents.
There were reports that the mob vandalised a part of the school and injured some of those running the Ramakrishna Mission school before the police reached the spot. “We have not received such reports,” Mr. Syiem said.
Following the unrest, District Magistrate Rosetta Mary Kurbah issued a curfew order.
“Whereas information is received that there is a serious deterioration of law and order in areas under Mawkynrew village under Madanrting PS [police station] with reports of vandalism causing destruction to property and person at Ramakrishna Mission School, Mawkynrew and these activities are likely to continue with every likelihood of causing serious breach of peace and tranquillity and may lead to loss of life and property,” the order read.
“Now, therefore, I, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me under section 163 BNSS, do hereby promulgate curfew in the above-mentioned site at Mawkynrew Village with immediate effect till further orders,” the order said.
