Shillong: Citizens and civil society members met at the State Central Library in Shillong on Saturday for a candlelight vigil. They gathered under the banner of Citizens and Civil Society for Peace, Healing and Harmony. This follows the August 19 outbreak of violence between Meghalaya and Assam that triggered fuel shortages and road blocks. The group aimed to reject violence as a way to handle conflict.
Editor of The Shillong Times, Patricia Mukhim, demanded government action. She called for the state to track down those who wrecked vehicles and choked transit routes. She warned that the poor will suffer most from the resulting price hikes. "The government should identify and prosecute those responsible for damaging vehicles and disrupting transit between the two states," Mukhim said.
School principal Bryan Wahlang spoke on the impact on the youth. He noted that students are confused by the clash and why discussion failed. He warned the unrest damages Shillong's reputation for hospitality. Taxi drivers and families are currently struggling with the lack of essential supplies. Wahlang asked residents in Assam not to blame the entire Meghalaya population for the work of a few agitators.
Former diplomat Rudi Warjri blamed the government for failing to prepare for the rally. He argued that authorities knew of the risk and should have asked the Centre for more security. While he noted the KSU had some valid complaints, he demanded more transparency. He cautioned that ignoring joblessness among the youth creates a pressure cooker that the state will struggle to control.
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