Shillong: A violent clash broke out between Meghalaya police and villagers from Mawkynrew during a protest over the allocation of land for a school construction project by the Ramakrishna Mission.
The protest, which was sparked by the decision of the local dorbar shnong to grant land for the project, escalated into unrest, leading to several injuries.
The situation turned tense when police were forced to use lathi charges and fire tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
Six people, including four women police officers, were injured in the melee.
In response to the violence, the East Khasi Hills district administration imposed a curfew in the village to restore order.
The dispute arose from the allocation of land by the Mawkynrew Pyllun village authorities to the Ramakrishna Mission for building a school.
Residents of Mawkynrew and nearby Mawleiñ villages gathered to protest, arguing that the land, originally designated for the Mawkynrew Sports Club to be used as a playground, was reallocated without their consent.
The protesters attempted to enter the construction site, resulting in a confrontation with both police and the magistrate present.
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Despite the use of force by authorities, the protesters grew more aggressive, leading to injuries on both sides.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed that four women police officers and two civilians sustained injuries during the clash.
To prevent further unrest, additional police forces have been deployed at the site.
