Shillong, May 5: In order to ensure peace prevails in the state of Meghalaya following clashes between two communities in Manipur, Meghalaya’s Director General of Police (DGP), Dr. LR Bishnoi, called for an emergency peace meeting between the leaders of both communities, Kuki and Meitei, at Nagaland House in Shillong on Friday.
The ethnic violence between the Meitei community and the tribals, particularly the Kukis, ravaging through Manipur, had a spillover in Shillong as 16 people from both communities were arrested for inciting trouble on Thursday afternoon near Mizo Modern School in Nongrim Hills, Shillong.
However, DGP Bishnoi stated that it was a “preventive arrest” and that the 16 were later released after executing bonds to ensure peace. The 16 were never forwarded to jail as it was just a minor scuffle, according to the DGP.
Meghalaya police called upon the leaders, including student leaders, of both communities to ensure that there is no further misunderstanding between the two communities residing in the state.
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“After an unfortunate and tragic incident occurred in Imphal and other parts of Manipur, we have decided that there should not be any misunderstanding between the citizens of both communities living in Meghalaya. Therefore, as a preventive step, we invited the community and student leaders of both communities, and we expressed our concerns regarding any kind of mistrust or misunderstanding”, said DGP Bishnoi.
After the scuffle between the two communities on Thursday afternoon, DGP Bishnoi informed that the leaders of both communities had been invited to Laitumkhrah PS, and they had assured that peace would be maintained and any misperception or misunderstandings overcome.
“Both leaders of the two communities have shared their concerns with the police, and we have exchanged certain tips on how to handle the situation after yesterday’s incident. Everyone has assured that they will maintain peace and order,” added DGP Bishnoi.
The DGP further informed that the leaders of the two communities had assured full cooperation with the Meghalaya Police.
