Meghalaya: NPP leader Mawlein Mawkhan’s house attacked in fresh incident of pre-poll violence

Shillong has witnessed a surge in violent episodes, reflecting heightened tensions in the run-up to the crucial voting day.

Reported by Purbasha Bhattacharjee

With just seven days left for the Lok Sabha elections in Meghalaya, concerns are mounting over the escalating incidents of pre-poll violence in different parts of the state.

In a fresh incident, a group of unidentified miscreants hurled stones at the National People’s Party (NPP) leader Magdalene S. Mawlong’s residence at Mawlein Mawkhan (Sohkyndur) village, located in the Ri Bhoi district yesterday evening.

Mawlong, who is also the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), MDC of Umsning Constituency was present at the house at the time of the attack, but escaped unhurt.

A case has been registered at the Umiam Police Station regarding the incident and an investigation into the matter is underway to identify the culprits and the motive behind the attack.

Clashes between rival political parties and instances of intimidation have become more frequent in the state.

Yesterday, 1 labourer was killed, while 2 others were seriously injured after they were assaulted at a construction site in Mawlai by some unidentified people.

On April 8, supporters of the NPP and Voice of People’s Party (VPP) engaged in a heated argument during the election campaign of the NPP’s Shillong candidate Ampareen Lyngdoh in Umsning.

On April 3, a police vehicle was set on fire by miscreants at Mawlai Police Station.

On March 27, the bodies of L Esan Sing and L Sujit Dutta were recovered from the roadside at Ichamati and Dalda. Two persons have been arrested in connection with the case.

Following the repeated incidence of violence, the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, who is also the Returning Officer for the Shillong Parliamentary seat, S C Sadhu said that he will convene a meeting with the representatives of all the political parties and candidates on Friday to ensure that a week before polls they follow the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and avoid creating any disturbance.

He has also issued a notice to all the political parties about the fresh set of SOP that parties and candidates should strictly follow.

Moreover, security has been beefed up in various localities in Shillong and increase the flying squad.
Earlier, last week, he has sought more companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in Shillong, and other parts of the district for the smooth conduct of polls.

Also Read: Meghalaya: Road accident in Mawblei claims two lives

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