Shillong, Aug 19: A black flag bike rally organised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Wednesday to protest the government’s failure to respond to its 15-day ultimatum and charter of demands turned violent, with several government and private vehicles vandalised and non-tribals grievously injured at different locations across Shillong.
During the rally, masked men pelted vehicles with stones, damaging windshields and windows at Dhankheti, Jylli Shop, Nongrim Hills and other areas.
A Meghalaya government Bolero was torched at Mawlai Nongmali. Other government vehicles were also damaged after being caught along the route of the rally. A vehicle belonging to the National Informatics Centre (NIC) of the central government was also attacked with stones.
Private vehicles were also not spared, with those bearing Assam registration plates bearing the brunt. One vehicle was ferrying several passengers, including children, when it was attacked. A video circulating on social media showed passengers ducking inside the vehicle as stones were hurled at it.
According to a ground report by Highland Post, at least 10 non-local men were brutally assaulted by masked men during the unrest.
Meanwhile, the busts of Subhas Chandra Bose and Swami Vivekananda at RR Colony in Umpling were also vandalised during the rally.
The black flag procession was organised after the KSU’s 15-day ultimatum to the government over its charter of demands expired without, according to the union, an adequate response.
During the day, KSU members reached the main gate of the Meghalaya Secretariat and put up flags as part of the protest. The flags were removed by police personnel.
Meanwhile, Ri-Bhoi was not spared from violent acts as unidentified miscreants set tyres on fire at two separate locations along National Highway 6 on Tuesday night, causing disruption and creating panic among commuters travelling along the highway.
The incidents occurred at Mawdiangum and Umling, where burning tyres were reportedly placed on the road, affecting the movement of vehicles.
Upon receiving information about the incidents, police personnel rushed to the respective locations and immediately launched an investigation. A search operation has also been initiated to identify and apprehend those involved in the act.
Fire and Emergency Services personnel from Nongpoh also arrived at the scene and successfully extinguished the flames.
Meanwhile, police said that they have intensified security and maintained vigil along the highway to prevent any further untoward incidents and ensure the safety of commuters.
