As the tensions prevail in parts of Shillong in Meghalaya after clashes between Khasi and Punjabi communities, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday said that there has been no damage to any gurudwara or other Sikh institutions in the state.

Rijiju’s comments come in the wake of the violence in Shillong on Thursday following which an indefinite curfew was clamped in areas under Lumdiengjri Police Station and Cantonment Beat House from 4 am on Friday in view of the breakdown of law and order in Motphran, Mawkhar and adjoining areas.

“Beware of rumour-mongers & troublemakers. There was no damage to any Gurdwara or other institutions belonging to the Sikh minority in Meghalaya,” Kiren Rijiju tweeted.

Beware of rumour-mongers & troublemakers. There was no damage to any Gurdwara or other institutions belonging to the Sikh Minority in Meghalaya. Law & Order situation is under control and the State Govt is extremely vigilant & settling the case.

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) June 3, 2018

The Union Minister said that the law and order in Shillong is under control and the state government is “extremely vigilant and settling the case”.

Meanwhile, suspension of internet on mobile services will continue besides prohibition on sale of petrol, diesel etc to public in loose containers.

On Saturday, the Army conducted flag marches in disturbed areas and rescued several people following night-long violence and arson during which a mob torched a shop, a house and damaged at least five vehicles, besides injuring a senior police officer.

Superintendent of police (City) Stephan Rynjah sustained injuries after he was hit by a rod. He has been admitted to Shillong Civil Hospital.

The clashes took place in the hill town between residents of Punjabi Line and employees of state-run buses belonging to the Khasi community. Several police personnel were injured.

The violence erupted after a bus handyman was allegedly assaulted by a group of residents of the area on Thursday afternoon.

Trouble escalated when rumours spread on social media that the handyman had succumbed to injuries, prompting a group of bus drivers to converge in the Punjabi Line area. The police had to fire teargas shells to disperse them.

The handyman and three injured persons were taken to a hospital where they were administered first-aid.

Police have so far arrested 10 people in connection with the violence that began on Thursday.

Earlier, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had called up his Punjab counterpart Captain Amarinder Singh to assure him of the safety of people from the northern state and their religious institutions following the communal clashes.

Sangma called up Amarinder on Friday last night to apprise him of the situation in the state following clashes and to allay any apprehensions of people from Punjab being under attack.

Singh expressed concern over the development and hoped the situation would not escalate further.