Shillong: A chaotic clash at a Hima Langrin Dorbar left seven police officers and one civilian injured on Friday. Nearly 1,500 protesters swarmed Phlangdiloin village, 50 kilometers from Mawkyrwat, to disrupt a meeting held by Syiem of Hima Langrin, Paiem Nangtei Sing Syiemiong. The event drew 2,000 supporters before the opposition moved in.
The trouble began after the chairman cut the meeting short. He refused to let the opposition speak, triggering a riot. The group smashed chairs and rushed the stage. Police and magistrates blocked their path, but the mob pelted officers with stones. Authorities fired tear gas to force a retreat.
South West Khasi Hills SP B. Jyrwa noted that his team exercised restraint while stopping the surge. The eight wounded victims, including one officer with serious injuries, sought treatment at the Phlangdiloin Health and Wellness Centre. Civilian Benapul Thongni of Phot Umiap village was among those hurt. Current security remains high with officers patrolling the area.
Syiemiong blamed the violence on rivals seeking to exploit Hima resources. He noted that challengers should use the KHADC or High Court to address their grievances. Opponent Wadlad Lyngdoh Langrin disagreed, claiming the Syiem "was afraid to answer and was running away." Police now wait for an official FIR from the Syiem’s office to launch a formal investigation.
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