SHILLONG, Dec 22 - Curfew has been totally lifted today from areas within the jurisdiction of two police stations in the State capital after 10 days.
Curfew was imposed in areas under Sadar and Lumdiengjri police stations in the city since December 12 as protests against the amended citizenship law turned violent, leaving several injured and properties vandalised.
�In view of improvement in the law-and-order situation, District Magistrate East Khasi Hills do hereby totally lift night curfew in the whole of the curfew-bound areas,� an order issued by District Magistrate M War stated today.
Over the past few days, curfew was gradually relaxed in these areas where two of the biggest commercial hubs of the State capital � Police Bazaar and Bara Bazaar � are located. There had been night curfew in these areas from 11 pm to 4 am, which was lifted today.
Meanwhile, there is an air of festivity in Shillong after several days of unrest over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
Concerts are being organised and Christmas carols being sung in different parts of the State capital. Streets in Shillong were being decked out in Christmas lights and festoons while people were seen flocking shops to buy essential items and Christmas goodies and gifts.
The busy Police Bazaar was teeming with people even though the tourist footfall has reduced this year. Usually at this time of the year Shillong witnesses a surge of tourists who come to experience the festive season.
Mobile Internet and messaging services, which were withdrawn as a precautionary measure to prevent circulation of provocative and fake news, were also restored on Friday night.
The Meghalaya Assembly had earlier this week unanimously adopted a resolution to urge the Centre to extend the Inner Line Permit regime to the State to keep it out of the purview of the contentious law.
