Meghalaya: Opening of shops, unlawful activities inside vehicles, playing loud music near schools, hospitals restricted in East Khasi Hills

In view of the recent incidents of violence in and around Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, and a tourist hotspot, the East Khasi Hills District Magistrate has imposed various restrictions under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in the area with effect from today.

The district administration has said that shops, food stalls, restaurants, and enterprises in and around Shillong will have to shut by 10 pm.

Playing loud music near educational and religious institutions, hospitals and residential areas have been prohibited after 10 pm.

The district administration has banned drinking inside cars and engaging in any unlawful activities inside vehicles.

The recent incidents of violence that took place in and around Shillong had led to many law and order situations causing disturbance, posing a threat to the daily commuters and endangering the lives of the public at large, the district administration said.

Anyone found violating these rules will face punishment under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

It may be mentioned here that on July 7, an altercation between 2 groups turned violent when they set ablaze at least two vehicles, including a police vehicle in the Laitumkhrah area of Shillong.

The two groups reportedly pelted stones during the clash. They then proceeded to the Laitumkhrah police station to file FIRs.

But things turned ugly when miscreants set ablaze a police vehicle parked in the police station premises.

Another vehicle was also reportedly torched by unidentified miscreants.

The fight between the two groups took place near DHS office in Laitumkhrah.