SHILLONG: The situation in Shillong is limping back to normalcy on Tuesday after the Meghalaya government assured on forming a high-level committee to deal with the issues of the relocation of the residents of the Punjabi Lane.
The Meghalaya government also assured to take action against the accused who reportedly assaulted Khasi youths at the Punjabi Lane.
It may be mentioned that the National Commission for Minorities will send a member to Shillong to investigate the clashes between residents of the Punjabi Lane and drivers of the state-run buses.
The panel has decided to send its member Manjit Singh Rai to Shillong to assess the situation, as informed by NCM chief Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner PS Dkhar mentioned that following the communication of the legislators to the protesters, it appears that the majority of the protesters have decided to return.
Dkhar said he will conduct a meeting on Tuesday to discuss whether to relax the curfew or not.
A delegation of hawkers met Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma and discussed their demands on behalf of the protesters.
A delegation of legislators comprising local MLA Adelbert Nongrum, state minister Banteidor Lyngdoh and chairman of state planning board Lambor Malngiang interacted with the protesters and conveyed the decision of the government to the gathering.
It may be mentioned that the riot-like situation erupted after few ladies from the Punjabi Lane, who were fetching water, got into an argument with the drivers of the government-run buses on Thursday last.
The womens alleged that they were eve-teased following which a scuffle broke out between the drivers and the locals of the area.
The situation turned out of control in the evening when a group of around 200-300 locals came to the Punjabi Lane and started pelting stones at the police personnel after they tried to stop the mob.
From anti-riot vehicles and fire tenders to tear gas shells, the police tried their best to control the situation.