Shillong, Nov 7: Incidents of arson have disrupted the law-and-order situation in Mawryngkneng, a suburb of Meghalaya’s capital, despite the enforcement of Section 163 of the BNSS. The East Khasi Hills District Commissioner has enacted this regulation, which bans gatherings of five or more individuals and prohibits the carrying of weapons. Those who violate this order will face penalties under Section 223 of the BNS.
The unrest is linked to ongoing protests demanding adherence to government-approved rates for the transportation of cement and clinkers from Jaintia Hills. In the early hours of Wednesday, truckers blocked the highway, resulting in violent clashes. Police deployed tear gas and conducted lathi charges to disperse the crowd, leading to multiple injuries.
The protests were organized by the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners’ and Drivers’ Association, whose members claim that local cement plants are failing to comply with government transportation rates. Following the violent upheaval, association president Mokslander Marngar and several other members were arrested.
In a show of solidarity, the Barak Valley Truck Owners’ Coordination Committee and the Katigora Truck Owners’ Association from Assam have expressed support for their counterparts in Meghalaya. They warned that if the cement and clinker plants continue to neglect the government-sanctioned rates, they too will join the strike.
The limestone-rich region of Jaintia Hills has seen a surge in cement plants, including major companies like Star Cement Limited, Meghalaya Cement Limited, Hill Cement Company, and Amrit Cement Limited.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/north-east/arson-clashes-break-out-in-mawryngkneng-despite-section-163-restrictions-1597140
Category: North East,Featured
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Publish Date: 2025-11-07 08:40:00
