Shillong, August 19: A black-flag motorcycle rally organised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) in Shillong on Wednesday was marred by incidents of violence, with around 31 vehicles damaged, a government Bolero set ablaze and several people reportedly assaulted along the rally route, according to police.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said the organisers had sought permission to conduct a peaceful rally, but the event unfolded contrary to the conditions under which permission had been granted. “Since the beginning of the rally, around 31 vehicles have been damaged. There were also people who sustained injuries after being assaulted along the way. Even children travelling in buses and people walking along the streets were assaulted without any reason. That is extremely unfortunate,” the SP told reporters.
Among the vehicles damaged were several government vehicles, private vehicles and trucks. Vehicles bearing Assam registration numbers were also reportedly pelted with stones. An Army vehicle was among those damaged during the incidents. According to reports, its front windshield was smashed with an iron “No Entry” sign. At Nongmali-1 in Mawlai Mawdatbaki, a government Bolero bearing registration number ML01-6152 was set on fire and completely gutted. The SP also confirmed that a vehicle had been torched during the rally.
Syiem said the incidents amounted to violations of both the conditions imposed while granting permission and the law, adding that appropriate action would be taken. “They sought permission to hold a peace rally, and we had expected it to be a peace rally. The conditions laid down while granting permission clearly stated that it should remain peaceful and should not create any disturbance. However, that is not what happened; it turned out to be the opposite,” he said.
The SP expressed concern over the fear created among residents and commuters, saying police received repeated calls from people asking whether it was safe to send children to school or travel to work. He said the incidents had affected the peace, tranquillity and normal movement of people in Shillong.
The rally was organised by the KSU to protest what it described as the MDA-II Government’s failure to address its five-point charter of demands after the expiry of a 15-day deadline issued to the government.
KSU members riding motorcycles and carrying black flags began the rally from the union’s office at Jaiaw. The procession passed through Seng Khasi College, Lumdiengjri, Rhino, Barik, Malki, Dhankheti, Madan Iewrynghep, Jylli Shop, Rynjah, Umpling, Itshyrwat, Nongmensong, Polo, Golf Link, Mawlai Mawroh, Mawlai Stand Bus and Mawlai Pump before returning to the KSU office.
The violence caused panic among motorists and residents, with several commuters reportedly caught off guard as incidents of stone-pelting, vandalism and assault were reported at different locations. Police said further action would be taken in connection with the incidents. The full extent of damage to private vehicles and other property was still being assessed.
Earlier on Wednesday, KSU activists also staged a brief protest at the Main Secretariat by putting up banners accusing the state government of failing to act on the union’s five-point charter of demands. Police removed the banners and security was subsequently stepped up around the Secretariat. The protest took place hours before the KSU’s black-flag motorcycle rally began from Jaiaw.
The banners raised allegations of nepotism and corruption in government recruitment and demanded a “fair and transparent” hiring process. “We study hard, we pass but at the end of the day jobs are given to those who can bribe,” one of the banners read.
The KSU had earlier held public meetings at several locations across Shillong on August 17 and 18 after serving the state government a 15-day deadline to act on its demands.
KSU general secretary Reuben Najiar said one of the union’s key demands is the scrapping of the July 31, 2026 public hearing for Shree Cement in East Jaintia Hills, which the union alleged was “pre-arranged”.
The KSU has also demanded action against the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, senior police officers and officials of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, besides departmental action against those it accused of preventing people from participating in the public hearing.
Another demand is the full implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016 until the Inner Line Permit system is introduced. The union wants Facilitation Centres established at all 18 entry points in Khasi and Jaintia Hills and has demanded that verification be carried out only through Dorbar Shnong.
The KSU has also sought immediate implementation of the amended Migrant Workmen Act, 2020.
On recruitment at NEIGRIHMS, the union has demanded reforms including an 80:20 female-to-male ratio in nursing recruitment and proper reservation for Khasi, Jaintia and Garo candidates.
The fifth demand relates to recruitment in government departments, with the KSU seeking removal of interviews for Grade B, C and D posts and the introduction of standard operating procedures for all recruitment boards.
The union has appealed to the public to support and participate in its ongoing campaign over the five demands.
