KSU black-flag rally in Shillong turns violent, with 31 vehicles damaged and three senior leaders arrested over alleged vandalism and assaults
Shillong: A Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) black-flag bike rally in Shillong turned violent on Wednesday, August 19, with vehicles damaged, civilians allegedly assaulted and government property vandalised. Police later arrested three senior KSU leaders, including union president Raymond Kharjana.
Kharjana, KSU vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben Najiar were taken into custody and booked under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) over alleged damage to public property, assaults and other offences.
Police said at least 31 vehicles were damaged, while incidents of stone-pelting and vandalism were reported from several parts of Shillong. A government vehicle was reportedly set ablaze, while vehicles bearing registration numbers from outside Meghalaya were also targeted.
The rally was organised over a five-point charter of demands, including implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), recruitment reforms through the Meghalaya Public Service Commission and District Selection Committees, regulation of migrant workers and changes to recruitment practices at NEIGRIHMS.
During the protest, KSU members reached the Meghalaya Secretariat and put up flags, which were later removed by police. Following the violence, police raided the KSU office in Jaiaw late Wednesday night, with tear gas reportedly used during the operation.
KSU leaders expressed regret over the incidents but claimed that miscreants had joined the rally to cause vandalism and damage the organisation’s image. Cabinet Minister Wailadmiki Shylla urged the student body to choose dialogue, saying the government was ready to listen to its concerns and hold discussions.
The arrests followed a 15-day ultimatum issued by the KSU to the state government earlier this month, marking a significant escalation in the dispute.
Also Read: Gunotsav 2027: Assam to Assess Schools Across 35 Districts in Three Phases
