Shillong, Aug 7: Seven police personnel were injured during a clash that broke out at a meeting of Hima Langrin at Phlangdiloin in South West Khasi Hills district on Friday.
The situation turned violent after an opposing group allegedly disrupted the proceedings of the Dorbar held at Hima Langrin campus around 11:30 am, police said.
Around 1,500 people, mainly supporters of the Syiem, gathered at the Dorbar where another group of almost equal number also arrived.
Police and Magistrates, who were on duty, initially managed to contain attempts to disrupt the Dorbar, but the situation deteriorated around 12:15 PM, according to district police chief Banraplang Jyrwa.
“Towards the conclusion of the meeting, a section of the opposing group became unruly and resorted to violence by damaging chairs and other property at the venue,” he said.
When police and Magistrates moved in to prevent further damage and to block the mob from advancing towards the stage, members of the group allegedly began pelting stones at personnel.
“Minimal force had to be used to disperse the violent mob and prevent further escalation,” the SP said.
Despite resistance, the force held its ground and stopped the mob from advancing. The opposing group eventually retreated and dispersed, he added.
In the incident, seven police personnel sustained injuries, one of them serious.
All the injured are undergoing treatment.
The SP said the situation is now normal and under control. Adequate security personnel have been deployed in and around the area and are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further disturbance.
An FIR from the office of the Syiem of Hima Langrin is awaited for further legal action.
