Shillong rally violence: Meghalaya CM Sanghma vows action, says SIT to probe attacks

Shillong, Aug 24 (AHN) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday said the state government has taken serious note of the violence that took place during a black-flag bike rally in Shillong on August 19 and assured the Assembly that those responsible would be brought to justice.

He said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) team has been constituted to investigate the violence during the motorcycle rally in the state capital.

Making a suo-motu statement on the opening day of the autumn session of the Meghalaya Assembly, Sangma said the black-flag rally organised by the Khasi Students Union (KSU) had been permitted by the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills on the assurance that it would remain peaceful.

However, violence broke out during the rally, with miscreants allegedly pelting stones at 31 vehicles and attacking bystanders.

The CM said 18 people were injured in the incidents and were admitted to Shillong Civil Hospital for medical treatment.

Eight of the vehicles, which were targeted during the violence were registered in Assam.

The Chief Minister said the government acted swiftly following the incidents, with the KSU president, vice president and general secretary arrested on the night of August 19 under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

The Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order (MMPO) Act was also invoked.

“Fifteen FIRs have been filed so far in connection with the incident,” Sangma told the Assembly.

He said five masked individuals suspected of involvement in the violence, particularly attacks on Assam-registered vehicles, had so far been identified, while one of them had already been arrested.

The state government has also constituted an SIT for a detailed probe into the violence and all those involved in it.

The SIT will be headed by the Inspector General of Police, Law and Order.

Sangma said the SIT would specifically investigate the attacks on Assam-registered vehicles and ensure prosecution of those found responsible in accordance with law.

“I want to assure the House and citizens of the state that the government will take all steps and leave no stone unturned to ensure that the miscreants who indulged in violent activities are brought to justice,” Sangma said.

The Chief Minister said the government’s actions were aimed at ensuring accountability while restoring confidence and normalcy following the August 19 incidents.