Shillong, August 20: The East Khasi Hills district administration has denied permission to the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) to hold a sit-in protest at Khyndai Lad, a day after violence during a rally in Shillong left several people injured and vehicles damaged.
Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal said on Thursday that the decision was taken in view of Wednesday’s incident, which disrupted peace and public order in the city.
The KSU rally turned violent, with several people reportedly assaulted and multiple vehicles, including those bearing Assam registration plates, allegedly attacked. Masked individuals were also reported to have targeted passing vehicles, while some vehicles were allegedly vandalised or set on fire.
The violence caused panic among motorists and pedestrians along the rally route. Several people reportedly sustained injuries during the clashes.
Government vehicles and Assam-registered vehicles were among those reportedly targeted, raising concerns over the safety of commuters and transport workers travelling between Assam and Meghalaya.
The Seven Star Tourist Cab Operators’ Union and other motor vehicle workers’ unions have condemned the alleged attacks on drivers, passengers and vehicles and expressed concern over the safety of transport workers operating on the Assam-Meghalaya route.
The administration’s decision to deny permission for the proposed sit-in comes amid heightened concerns over public order and inter-state travel in Shillong.
