Shillong, August 22: Senior citizen and former minister Bah R.G. Warjri has strongly condemned the violence and vandalism reported during the black-flag motorcycle rally organised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), saying the incidents have caused fear, hardship and distress among the people of Meghalaya.
Speaking at a candlelight gathering at the State Central Library on Saturday, Warjri said the programme reflected the collective desire of citizens from different communities to stand together against violence and promote peace.
“What happened was extremely sad. This is not the first time that violence of this nature has taken place,” he said.
Warjri observed that the violence had overshadowed the original issues and objectives behind the protest. He said that even if the organisers were not directly involved and certain unruly elements had taken advantage of the rally, responsibility must be established through a proper investigation.
He also questioned the statement of Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home, Prestone Tynsong, regarding the alleged absence of an intelligence failure.
“If there was no intelligence failure, then perhaps there was a failure to act on the available intelligence,” Warjri said.
He added that the authorities should have anticipated the possibility of violence and made adequate preparations, particularly in view of similar incidents in the past.
Warjri said the unrest had affected the wider population by creating fear among travellers, disrupting movement and raising concerns over the transportation and availability of essential commodities.
Referring to the controversy surrounding the proposed Shree Cement project, Warjri said environmental concerns, public participation and government transparency must also be addressed. He maintained that citizens have the right to know how decisions affecting their land, environment and future are being taken.
Warjri appealed to the government, civil society organisations and citizens to uphold peace, transparency and democratic methods while addressing contentious public issues.
