Tear gas shelled by cops to stop turmoil in Cherry Blossom Festival Shillong

On Friday evening, violence erupted at the entrance to the Polo Cherry Blossom Festival, with a large crowd reported. Three rounds of tear gas shells were fired, according to sources, to control the riotous throng.

The second day of the Cherry Blossom Festival was marred by turmoil and violence as attendees outraged over not being permitted inside the festival arena battled with police, leading officers to use tear gas to clear the enraged crowd.

After being denied access to the JN Sports Complex in Polo for the evening’s programs, which included multiple performances, a group of people apparently became enraged. According to reports, the disturbance started when authorities refused to let the public in beyond 7 p.m. 

The enraged audience then went on a frenzy, tearing down festival posters and even attempting to break past the gates. Police were also pelted with bottles, prompting them to use tear gas.

A few people were detained by police, but many more sought refuge in the darkness surrounding the entrance, where errant bottles showered down on the officers.