Shillong: The Meghalaya Linguistic Minority Development Forum wants the High Court to crack down on street violence in Shillong. Masked riders and unregistered bikes have turned permitted rallies into scenes of intimidation. Residents, workers, and tourists are caught in the crossfire. The forum argues that these incidents threaten the state reputation.
The group filed a petition seeking rigid security protocols for all future demonstrations. They want police to ban face masks, seize unregistered vehicles, and use drone surveillance. They also asked East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal to reroute public protests away from crowded residential neighborhoods. The forum stated, "An accountable administration and responsible citizenry were essential to maintaining peace and social harmony in Meghalaya."
Vandals recently hit busts of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Swami Vivekananda at R.R. Colony. The group demanded a time-bound probe by a senior officer and a state-funded restoration of these national icons. They sent formal memorandums to the Governor, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, and the Deputy Commissioner. An online petition also targets Union Home Minister Amit Shah, pushing for immediate measures to stabilize the area.
Updated at 23rd August 2026 at 2:00pm
The forum is now demanding an independent inquiry into alleged police lapses during the recent unrest. They argue that authorities failed to control the situation, allowing agitators to bypass checkpoints with ease.
New filings identify the state Governor as Chandrashekhar H. Vijayashankar. The group also stated that protests turning into faceless mob violence threaten effective governance and public safety.
Beyond local issues, the forum has expanded its reach by lobbying Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Chief Minister regarding broader conflicts involving Meghalaya and its neighboring states.
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