SHILLONG, AUG 19: A Khasi Students’ Union black-flag bike rally on Wednesday led to clashes across Shillong, with several people assaulted and multiple vehicles vandalized, including some set on fire.  

Protesters targeted government vehicles in Polo, Barik and Mawlai. 

A police escort vehicle, an NIC car, a telecom truck, and several other vehicles were damaged. 

At FCI Mawlai a government vehicle was set ablaze. The glass of the Swami Vivekananda statue at RR Colony was also broken.  

Earlier, KSU activists staged a brief protest at the Main Secretariat, putting up banners accusing the government of corruption in recruitment. 

Police removed the banners and tightened security.  

The rally was held after the KSU held public meetings on August 17 and 18 following a 15-day deadline to the government. 

The union’s five-point charter includes action over the July 31 Shree Cement public hearing in East Jaintia Hills, full implementation of the MRSSA 2016 with entry-point facilitation centres, implementation of the amended Migrant Workmen Act 2020, recruitment reforms at NEIGRIHMS, and removal of interviews for Grade B, C and D posts.