1 week ago
Army, RAF Flag March as Assam-Meghalaya Tensions Persist
Violence happened in Shillong during a protest organized by the Khasi Students' Union.
Some vehicles carrying tourists from Assam were allegedly attacked and damaged.
Some tourists were reportedly hurt, and public property was also damaged.
The Army and Rapid Action Force then held a flag march to show that security had been increased.
The Centre also approved five companies of central armed forces for Meghalaya.
In Assam, protests at Jorabat stopped some vehicles registered in Meghalaya.
Protesters wanted compensation for damaged vehicles and an apology.
Officials from Assam and Meghalaya met to try to restore peace and keep travel between the states moving.
The Army and Rapid Action Force conducted a flag march in Shillong after violence during a Khasi Students' Union rally on August 19.
Vehicles carrying tourists from Assam were allegedly attacked, with several vehicles vandalised and some tourists reportedly injured.
The Centre approved five companies of central armed forces to support Meghalaya police in maintaining law and order.
Protests at Jorabat reportedly stopped some Meghalaya-registered vehicles from entering Assam and demanded compensation and an apology.
Three senior Khasi Students' Union office-bearers were arrested in connection with the violence as both states sought to prevent escalation.
- Who
- The Meghalaya police, Army, Rapid Action Force, central armed forces, Khasi Students' Union members, Assam protesters, and officials from Assam and Meghalaya were involved.
- What
- Violence during a Khasi Students' Union rally led to vehicle damage, arrests, security deployments, retaliatory protests, and talks between the two states.
- Where
- Shillong and Jorabat, the key entry point between Assam and Meghalaya.
- When
- The violence occurred on August 19; security measures and inter-state discussions followed, with protests continuing for several days.
- Why
- Authorities deployed additional forces and held talks to contain tensions, prevent retaliatory incidents, and ensure the movement of people and vehicles.
Protesters and Unions
State Authorities
Reason for demonstrations
Protesters and Unions
Assam motor vehicle workers' unions sought compensation for vehicles damaged in Shillong and an apology from the authorities.
State Authorities
Officials described the Shillong violence as unwarranted and unfortunate and focused on restoring peace and smooth movement between the states.
Retaliatory measures
Protesters and Unions
Protests at Jorabat stopped some Meghalaya-registered vehicles, while the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad called for an economic blockade if attacks on Assamese people continued.
State Authorities
Authorities deployed police, reserve personnel, the Army, and the Rapid Action Force to prevent fresh violence and retaliatory incidents.
Protest organization
Protesters and Unions
The Khasi Students' Union held the black-flag rally that preceded the violence, according to the report.
State Authorities
Police arrested three senior KSU office-bearers in connection with the violence.
Key facts
- Initial incident
- Violence occurred during a Khasi Students' Union black-flag protest in Shillong on August 19.
- Reported damage
- Several vehicles had windows and windshields smashed, and public property was damaged.
- Security response
- The Army and Rapid Action Force conducted a flag march in Shillong.
- Central deployment
- The Centre approved five companies of central armed forces for Meghalaya.
- Jorabat protests
- Demonstrators stopped some Meghalaya-registered vehicles from entering Assam.
- Arrests
- KSU president Raymond Kharjana, vice president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet, and general secretary Reuben Najiar were arrested.
- Government talks
- Assam minister Atul Bora and Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar met senior officials in Guwahati.
Quotes
Atul Bora
Assam Border Protection and Development Minister
“unwarranted and unfortunate”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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