Shillong: Bike-borne thugs terrorized Shillong on Wednesday. They beat civilians, smashed vehicles, and torched state property. This rampage broke out during a black-flag rally organized by the KSU. The group had issued a 15-day ultimatum to the government before hitting the streets.
East Khasi Hills officials knew the route. They had granted permission for the rally ahead of time. Despite this, police left the city exposed. Security forces concentrated their numbers at the State Secretariat, while fire trucks waited at IGP Point. Ordinary streets saw no protection.
Commuters suffered the brunt of the chaos. In one viral clip, passengers on the Ka Bos Jong Ngi bus ducked for cover as stone-pelting miscreants smashed the windshield. Another man was kicked repeatedly by a group of bikers. Public symbols also took a beating. Vandalism destroyed a bust of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Rynjah and a bust of Swami Vivekananda at RR Colony. Rioters also targeted Assam-registered taxis and private cars.
The government refused to speak. Officials offered no condemnation and promised no immediate arrests. Authorities continue to label the attackers as "unidentified miscreants" despite the blatant nature of the assaults. Shillong residents are left to wonder if the state cares for their safety at all. For now, the city waits for the next round of violence.
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