SHILLONG : A black-flag bike rally organised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) turned violent in Shillong on Wednesday, with clashes reported at several locations, people allegedly assaulted and multiple vehicles vandalised, including vehicles that were set on fire.
Government vehicles were targeted in Polo, Barik and Mawlai during the unrest. A police escort vehicle, an NIC vehicle, a telecom truck and several other vehicles were damaged.
At FCI Mawlai, a government vehicle was reportedly set ablaze. The glass surrounding the Swami Vivekananda statue at RR Colony was also damaged.
KSU protests at Main Secretariat
Earlier in the day, KSU activists staged a brief protest at the Main Secretariat, where they put up banners accusing the government of corruption and alleged favouritism in recruitment.
Police removed the banners within minutes and subsequently strengthened security around the Secretariat.
The black-flag rally followed public meetings organised by the KSU across Shillong on August 17 and 18, after the union’s 15-day deadline to the state government expired.
Five-point KSU charter
The KSU has been pressing the government over a five-point charter of demands.
One of the key demands relates to the July 31 public hearing for Shree Cement in East Jaintia Hills, with the union seeking action over what it alleges were irregularities surrounding the hearing.
The union is also demanding full implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016, including the establishment of Facilitation Centres at entry points.
Other demands include immediate implementation of the amended Migrant Workmen Act, 2020, recruitment reforms at NEIGRIHMS, and the removal of interviews for Grade B, C and D government posts.
The escalation in Shillong came amid the KSU’s ongoing campaign to press the government to act on its demands.