Meghalaya student rally degenerates into violence; vehicles set ablaze
The Khasi Students’ Union organised the rally as it stepped up its agitation against the state government’s indifferent attitude
A provocative motorcycle rally organized by the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) in Shillong, Meghalaya, escalated into violent clashes, with protesters damaging vehicles and defacing a statue of Swami Vivekananda. The KSU demanded recruitment reforms and the implementation of security acts, including the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act passed in 2016.
Police responded by removing protesters' banners and tightening security around the government's Main Secretariat. Police superintendent Vivek Syiem stated that their priority was to respond firmly and responsibly while preventing further escalation of tensions. The KSU had set a 15-day deadline for the government to address their demands.
KSU leader Reuben Najiar called the rally a "black-flag" march to pressure the government and escalate the agitation. The KSU has been seeking the establishment of facilitation centers at all 18 entry points in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills for the implementation of the safety act as well as an 80:20 female-to-male ratio for nurses and reservation for Khasis, Jaintias, and Garos.
The minister of education, Wailadmiki Shylla, expressed openness to discussions and a dialogue with the students.
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