Petrol bombs target police, govT properties; Assam-Meghalaya traffic hit for second day
Correspondent/Agencies
SHILLONG/GUWAHATI, AUG 21: Arson attacks continued in Meghalaya on Friday, two days after a violent Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) rally in Shillong, despite heightened security.
Police said two masked men hurled petrol bombs at a former National People’s Party office in Lower Lachumiere, but they failed to explode. Madanrting Police Station was also targeted, the second police facility attacked after Nongmynsong Police Outpost on Thursday night.
A motorcycle, reportedly belonging to Meghalaya Police, was later torched in Malki, while two government vehicles were set ablaze at Nongstoin. Petrol bombs were also hurled at PWD and SDO offices in West Khasi Hills, and another vehicle was torched at Mookymphad in West Jaintia Hills.
Deputy chief minister in-charge Home, Prestone Tynsong, assured firm action and said the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act had been invoked to recover costs for damage caused during the KSU rally.
He said normal functioning of offices, markets and daily activities would be ensured.
Police said 15 FIRs had been registered over vandalism and assaults on 16 civilians, while at least 31 government and private vehicles were damaged. The Meghalaya High Court directed authorities to take swift and stringent action against those involved.
Assam-Meghalaya traffic disrupted for second day: Traffic between Assam and Meghalaya remained disrupted for a second day as Assam-based taxi and transport workers stopped Meghalaya-registered vehicles at Jorabat and adjoining Khanapara. More than 100 drivers gathered at Jorabat, alleging that Assam vehicles were being stopped at Byrnihat. They demanded assurance that drivers travelling to Shillong would not be harassed or stopped.
The Meghalaya taxi drivers’ association also suspended commercial services between Shillong and Guwahati following recent violence, including the alleged assault of Assam tourists.
Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma said he had spoken to Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and both states agreed to work together to restore normalcy and protect longstanding ties. Designated cabinet ministers from both states will meet to take discussions forward and explore ways to restore peace and trust.