Shillong, Aug 22: The Meghalaya Linguistic Minority Development Forum (MLMDF) has moved the Meghalaya High Court seeking an end to masked mob violence in Shillong, ban on face masks during rallies, impounding of unplated bikes and drone surveillance of protest routes.
Condemning the targeted violence, street intimidation, vandalism and desecration of national icons in Shillong during a rally called by the Khasi Students Union (KSU) on August 19, the forum alleged that despite official SOPs, masked, helmetless riders on unplated vehicles bypass checkpoints and rampage through residential pockets and commercial hubs, with women, children and tourists forced to duck as mobs stone buses.
The forum said it also submitted representations to East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal to stop routing rallies through dense multi-community neighbourhoods and to the Governor and Chief Minister over desecration of busts of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Swami Vivekananda at RR Colony, demanding a time-bound probe and state-sponsored restoration.
An online petition was also addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the chief minister to defuse tensions between the two neighbouring states.
In a statement, MLMDF said peaceful dissent is a democratic right, but weaponizing demonstrations into mob violence and harassment undermines governance. It said desecration of national icons brings national headlines that defame the peace-loving majority and creates security anxiety for Meghalaya youth studying and working outside.
“Meghalaya is our shared sanctuary. An accountable administration and responsible citizenry are twin pillars of a just society,” MLMDF said.
