Shillong, 22 August (HS): Security was stepped up in Shillong on Saturday as the Army and Rapid Action Force (RAF) carried out a flag march in several parts of the Meghalaya capital following violence linked to a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) rally on August 19.

The heightened security measures came after vehicles carrying tourists from Assam were allegedly targeted during a KSU black-flag protest. Several vehicles were damaged, including smashed windshields and windows, while some tourists were reportedly injured. Public property was also damaged during the incident.

Amid the tense situation, the Centre approved the deployment of five companies of central armed forces in Meghalaya to support the state police in maintaining law and order.

In a parallel effort to ease tensions, Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora and Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar held a meeting with senior officials of both states in Guwahati on Saturday. The discussions focused on the Shillong violence, the subsequent protests at Jorabat and steps to prevent further escalation.

Bora termed the Shillong incident “unwarranted and unfortunate” and said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had promptly intervened. He said Sarma had spoken to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, following which Dhar was tasked with discussing measures to restore peace and facilitate smooth movement between the two states.

The minister also appealed to residents of Assam and Meghalaya to maintain peace, stressing the long-standing ties between the neighbouring states.

The violence in Shillong was followed by protests by motor vehicle workers’ unions in Assam. Demonstrations began at Jorabat, a major Assam-Meghalaya entry point, where protesters stopped Meghalaya-registered vehicles from entering Assam and, in some cases, turned them back.

The Jorabat protests entered their third day on Saturday. Demonstrators have been seeking compensation for vehicles damaged in Shillong and an apology from the authorities concerned. A heavy deployment of police and reserve police personnel has been maintained in the area to prevent any untoward incident.

A protesting cab driver said the workers wanted the matter resolved and sought compensation for the losses suffered by vehicle owners. He added that any damage to Meghalaya-registered vehicles during the Jorabat protests should also be compensated.

Questioning the security arrangements during the KSU protest in Shillong, the driver said the presence of security personnel at Jorabat had helped prevent damage to vehicles from Meghalaya.

The Shillong incident occurred during a KSU black-flag protest, when unidentified masked persons allegedly attacked vehicles carrying tourists from Assam. Three senior KSU leaders — president Raymond Kharjana, vice president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben Najiar — were arrested in connection with the violence.

On Thursday, Sarma said he had spoken with Sangma and that the immediate focus was on addressing the concerns of Assam residents stranded in Meghalaya amid the prevailing tension.

The situation has also triggered strong reactions from organisations in Assam.

With additional security forces now deployed in Shillong and a strong police presence at Jorabat, authorities in both states are working to contain tensions, prevent fresh incidents and keep the movement of people and vehicles between Assam kand Meghalaya uninterrupted.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash