Shillong: Tension prevailed in Meghalaya on Thursday as central forces were deployed, while Assam State Drivers’ Association and Guwahati-based vehicle operators blocked Shillong’s entry point over attacks on Assam-registered vehicles.Centre approved five companies of central armed police forces — four of CRPF and one of the Rapid Action Force — until Aug 25, following a request from Meghalaya’s home (police) department, which cited a “sudden deterioration” in the law-and-order situation in East Khasi Hills district.The deployment followed a rampage during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) bike rally in the city on Wednesday. Vehicles were damaged, pedestrians assaulted and public property vandalised. Assam-registered tourist taxis and private vehicles were among those targeted, escalating tensions between the neighbouring states.Around 31 vehicles, including buses, govt vehicles and official cars belonging to ministers, were damaged. Sixteen cases of assault have been confirmed, while two vehicles — one govt vehicle and another registered outside Meghalaya — were torched. Statues of Swami Vivekananda and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose were also vandalised.Three KSU leaders were remanded in judicial custody on Thursday in connection with the violence during a black-flag rally. A district and sessions court in Shillong sent KSU president Raymond Kharjana, vice-president Pynskhemlang Sanmiet and general secretary Rueben Najiar to 14 days’ judicial custody after their arrest on Wednesday night.On Thursday morning, Assam State Drivers’ Association and operators of Guwahati-based vehicles blocked the entry point to Shillong from Assam in protest against the attacks. Security forces on both sides momentarily halted vehicle movement.“There were people who were injured and beaten on the way. Children sitting inside buses and people walking on the roadside were beaten without any reason,” East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem said.“Even private vehicles have been damaged, 16 confirmed reports of assaults on individuals have taken place, two statues of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Swami Vivekananda have been vandalised and simultaneously two vehicles – one govt and one with registration from outside – have been torched,” East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner Abhilash Baranwal said.Meghalaya high court took suo motu cognisance of the violence and directed authorities to arrest those responsible. Police also registered an FIR over a petrol-bomb attack on personnel during a raid at the KSU office in Jaiaw on Wednesday night.Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he conveyed his concerns to Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma over attacks on Assam-registered vehicles. He said Assam minister for border protection Atul Bora would coordinate with Meghalaya authorities.“Assam and Meghalaya are sister states, bound by deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties. Mutual respect, restraint and sensitivity must guide us at all times,” Sarma said.Sangma said he spoke to Sarma about the violence and its fallout. The chief ministers agreed to work together to normalise the situation, he said.Designated cabinet ministers from both states will meet to explore ways to restore peace and normalcy, Sangma said. Both chief ministers appealed for peace and restraint.
