The Meghalaya High Court has directed the state government to take immediate steps to restore peace after a protest by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) in Shillong turned violent. The court has also asked the government to submit a detailed action-taken report by August 24, when the matter will be heard again.
The violence reportedly involved the vandalism of 31 vehicles, including some with Assam registration numbers. Protesters also allegedly damaged a glass panel protecting a statue of philosopher Swami Vivekananda and set one vehicle on fire.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said people walking on the streets were allegedly assaulted without provocation and that a bus carrying children was also affected during the protest.
Authorities said around 200 security personnel had been deployed along the rally route. East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal said a petrol bomb was allegedly thrown at security personnel, following which police used tear gas and a stun grenade.
Three KSU leaders—president Raymond Kharjana, vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben Najiar—were arrested on Wednesday night and sent to 14-day judicial custody on Thursday. They have been booked under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, in connection with alleged damage to public property, assault and other offences.
In view of the deteriorating situation, the Union Home Ministry has cleared the deployment of central forces in the state. The district administration has also revoked permission for the KSU’s proposed agitation on Friday.
The administration has decided to invoke the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act to recover damages caused to public and private property during the protest. Police have also registered a separate FIR following the alleged petrol bomb attack on security personnel during a raid at the KSU office in Jaiaw.
Despite the arrests, former KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar said the action would not weaken the union’s agitation.
The KSU’s five-point charter includes action over the July 31 public hearing for Shree Cement in East Jaintia Hills, implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016 until an Inner Line Permit is introduced, facilitation centres at all 18 entry points in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, implementation of the amended Migrant Workmen Act, 2020, and reforms in recruitment.
