Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court appointed senior advocate Philemon Nongbri to serve as Amicus Curiae on Monday. He will assist the division bench in a suo motu public interest litigation concerning the August 19 violence in Shillong. The unrest broke out during a black-flag bike rally sponsored by the Khasi Students Union.
Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh reviewed a status report from the state government. Additional Advocate General Tshering Yangi B submitted the findings on September 7. Police officials, including Inspector General Davis N.R. Marak and Superintendent Vivek Syiem, attended the hearing. The court excused these officers from appearing at the next session. The next hearing is set for October 1.
Police have registered 22 FIRs across various stations. Four cases are at Sadar, nine at Rynjah, seven at Mawlai, and one each at Laitumkhrah and Lumdiengjri. Authorities have arrested four KSU office-bearers and seized two vehicles. Investigators are currently analyzing call records for eight mobile numbers and CCTV footage from 27 locations.
The court previously expressed frustration with the investigation. Judges questioned why officials identified only four people when hundreds took part. The bench noted that participants allegedly wore masks and carried sticks despite prior agreements. Some riders even covered their license plates. The court stated, "The procession should not have been allowed to proceed after alleged breaches of the conditions imposed for the rally."
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