Shillong: The Meghalaya government has assured compensation for Assam-registered vehicles damaged during the August 19 violence in Shillong and said it will bear the medical expenses of those injured in the incident.
The assurance came during a joint meeting between Meghalaya and Assam on August 22 to review the situation following violence during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) bike rally. Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister S Dhar and Assam minister Atul Bora led the meeting.
According to East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem, at least 31 vehicles were damaged, 16 people injured and two vehicles set on fire during the violence.
The Meghalaya government expressed regret over the incident and said those responsible would face action. It said 15 FIRs had been registered and five masked persons allegedly involved in attacks on Assam-registered vehicles had been identified. A Special Investigation Team has also been formed to identify others involved and ensure their prosecution.
Three senior KSU leaders — president Raymond Kharjana, vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben Najiar — have been arrested in connection with the violence.
The government also assured that it would take responsibility for the safety and security of tourists and vehicles from Assam and other parts of the country travelling within Meghalaya.
More than 3,770 Assam-registered vehicles have been escorted safely out of Meghalaya. The Assam Control Room received 54 distress calls involving 175 people, while Meghalaya’s control room received 379 calls. Authorities said most stranded travellers and vehicles had crossed key transit points, including Umiam Lake.
The two states will establish a coordination mechanism between senior police officials, supported by helplines and an online support system. They will also form district-level committees to address inter-state border issues and a joint committee involving transport officials and tourist vehicle associations to facilitate safer movement between the states.
