Curfew in Shillong after violence on Independence Day, mobile Internet banned

The Meghalaya government has ordered a curfew in Shilllong after incidents of violence marred Independence Day celebrations in the north-eastern state on Sunday. 

Internet services have been shut down in Shillong and several other parts of Meghalaya. According to the state government order, the curfew stays in place till August 17.

Meghalaya Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has written to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma asking him to be relieved from the Home Department with immediate effect. He has proposed a judicial enquiry into the alleged killing of the former militant leader in Shillong.

The unrest in Shillong was sparked by the death of former rebel leader Cherishstarfield Thangkhiew during a police raid at his home. Thangkhiew's family has termed his death a "cold-blooded murder by the police".

Hundreds of people, wearing black and carrying black flags, took part in his funeral procession on Sunday as they condemned the police and the state government.

Incidents of stone pelting were also reported from parts of the city. A police vehicle was also set ablaze by unidentified men in Shillong.