A black-flag motorcycle rally organised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) turned violent in Shillong on Wednesday, with vehicles damaged, government property vandalised and a government vehicle reportedly set on fire.
Clashes and vandalism were reported in areas including Polo, Barik and Mawlai. A police escort vehicle and an NIC vehicle were damaged, while other government and private vehicles were also targeted.
In Mawlai, a government vehicle at the Food Corporation of India office was reportedly set ablaze. The glass enclosure around a statue of Swami Vivekananda at RR Colony was also damaged. Reports also alleged vandalism of a statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
The KSU had organised the rally as part of its agitation over a five-point charter of demands, including recruitment, protection of indigenous residents, migration and environmental concerns.
The district administration had permitted the rally with conditions and increased security in sensitive areas. The violence came a day after KSU leaders warned that the agitation would intensify if the Meghalaya government failed to respond to their demands.
The organisation had earlier held demonstrations and public meetings on August 17 and 18 and given the government 15 days to respond to its demands.
Source: NDTV
