Shillong, Aug 2026 : Security was stepped up across Shillong on Saturday following violence during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) rally on August 19, with the Army and Rapid Action Force (RAF) conducting a flag march in several parts of the Meghalaya capital, officials said.
The heightened security measures came amid growing tensions after vehicles carrying tourists from Assam were allegedly attacked during a KSU black-flag protest. Several vehicles were reportedly vandalised, with windows and windshields smashed, while some tourists sustained injuries. Public property was also damaged during the clashes.
In view of the prevailing situation, the Centre has approved the deployment of five companies of central armed forces in Meghalaya to assist the state police in maintaining law and order. The additional deployment is aimed at preventing further incidents and reassuring residents and visitors amid concerns over possible retaliatory violence.
Meanwhile, efforts were also intensified at the administrative level to defuse tensions between Assam and Meghalaya. Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora and Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar held a high-level meeting with senior officials of both states in Guwahati on Saturday.
The meeting focused on assessing the situation and discussing measures to prevent further escalation. The talks assumed significance following the violence in Shillong and protests at Jorabat, a key entry point connecting Assam and Meghalaya.
Bora described the Shillong incident as “unwarranted and unfortunate” and said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had taken immediate steps following the violence. According to him, Sarma spoke to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who subsequently asked Deputy Chief Minister Dhar to coordinate with Assam authorities and explore measures to restore peace.
Bora appealed to people in both states to maintain peace and harmony, underlining the longstanding social, economic and cultural ties between Assam and Meghalaya.
The Shillong violence subsequently triggered protests by motor vehicle workers’ unions in Assam. Demonstrations began at Jorabat the following day, with protesters reportedly stopping Meghalaya-registered vehicles from entering Assam and, in some cases, forcing them to turn back.
The protests continued for a third consecutive day on Friday. Protesters demanded compensation for vehicles allegedly damaged during the Shillong violence and sought an apology from the authorities.
Security was subsequently strengthened at Jorabat, with police and reserve personnel deployed to prevent fresh confrontations and ensure the movement of vehicles remained orderly.
Meanwhile, three senior KSU office-bearers — president Raymond Kharjana, vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben Najiar — were arrested late Wednesday in connection with the violence. Their arrests have added another dimension to the developing situation.
The incident has also drawn strong reactions from organisations in Assam. The Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) called for an economic blockade and warned of action against Meghalaya residents in Assam if attacks on Assamese people in Shillong continued.
The developments have raised concerns over possible retaliatory incidents and disruption of movement between the neighbouring northeastern states. Authorities on both sides are therefore maintaining heightened vigilance at sensitive locations.
With additional central forces deployed in Shillong and a heavy security presence maintained at Jorabat, Assam and Meghalaya authorities are now focusing on containing tensions, preventing further violence and ensuring the uninterrupted movement of people and vehicles between the two states.
Officials have also appealed to residents and organisations to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further strain relations between the neighbouring states.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
