Shillong: Violence flared across Meghalaya on Thursday after a KSU black-flag bike rally triggered fresh arson and petrol bomb attacks. Central authorities ordered five companies of CRPF and RAF troops to the state until August 25 to help police hold the line.
A petrol bomb hit the Nongmensong police outpost in Shillong at 9:30 pm on Thursday. It set a chair on fire but caused no injuries. CRPF troops occupied the building at the time. Police currently check CCTV footage to track suspects. East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem confirmed 15 FIRs linked to the ongoing unrest.
Miscreants struck elsewhere in the dead of night. Two government vehicles and a motorcycle burned at the Water Resources Department office in Saiden, Ri-Bhoi, around 2 am. A Bolero, registration ML 01 4464, and a motorcycle, ML 10 C 7459, were destroyed. A second Bolero, ML 01 5359, suffered partial damage. In South West Khasi Hills, a petrol bomb landed on the roof of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary office near Mawkyrwat at 1 am. The fire died out without causing harm. South West Khasi Hills SP B. Jyrwa stated neighbors heard the blast but saw nobody.
The chaos spilled over the border into Assam. Cab operators and the Assam State Drivers’ Association blocked National Highway-27 at Jorabat and Khanapara to stop Meghalaya-registered vehicles. Hundreds of passengers remain stuck. Protesters even damaged one Meghalaya taxi at Khanapara before police restored order.
The groups demand compensation and a public apology from Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and the Tourism Minister. They also want a written safety guarantee. Bir Lachit Sena members joined the demonstration. Some agitators pushed to blacklist Meghalaya as a tourist destination for six months. Ri-Bhoi DC Abhishek Saini shuttered all liquor shops and bars in the district through Friday. Ri-Bhoi SP Giri Prasad said officials are working with Assam counterparts to manage the fallout. Protesters made their stance clear: "Meghalaya-registered vehicles would not be allowed into Assam until the issues were resolved."
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