CM Vows Stern Action Against Those Who Assaulted Commuters and Damaged Vehicles

Shillong, August 24: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has rejected allegations of an intelligence failure behind the violence during the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) motorcycle rally in Shillong on August 19, while acknowledging that the government was taken aback by the scale and nature of the incidents.

Sangma said the government had prior information about the rally and had made necessary security arrangements. However, as the procession passed through several locations, it was not possible to deploy police personnel at every point along the route, making it difficult to immediately control the situation.

“There was an understanding and an assurance that the rally would be peaceful. Even the public was shocked by the actions of certain miscreants, something we had not witnessed earlier,” the Chief Minister said.

He said around five people suspected of involvement in the violence had so far been identified, while investigations were continuing to establish the identity of all those responsible.

Sangma assured that the government would pursue every available line of investigation and ensure that those who assaulted and injured innocent people or damaged vehicles were brought to justice.

‘Law Must Take Its Own Course’

On demands for the release of arrested KSU leaders, the Chief Minister said the government would not interfere with the legal process.

“It would not be appropriate in a democratic system to alter the application of the law merely because an organisation, a group or an individual makes such a demand. We must allow the law to take its course,” he said.

Sangma also disclosed that the government had formally invited the KSU for talks on its outstanding demands. The government is awaiting a response and hopes the dialogue can be held at the earliest.

CM Defends Absence During Violence

Responding to criticism over his absence from Shillong when the violence occurred, Sangma said he had been away due to prior official engagements and meetings.

He maintained that his absence did not affect the functioning of the government or its response to the situation.

“The government does not function through one person alone. There is an entire team responsible for different aspects of governance,” he said.

The Chief Minister added that the Deputy Chief Minister in charge of the Home Department had personally monitored the situation, while he and senior officials remained in constant communication to take urgent decisions.

“We were in touch almost every hour and ensured that there was no gap in the action that needed to be taken,” he said.

Meghalaya-Assam Movement Restored

Referring to the subsequent obstruction of Meghalaya-registered vehicles in Assam and the disruption of transportation, Sangma said the situation was brought under control within a short period through dialogue and coordination with the Assam Government.

He added that the state government would also carefully examine the concerns raised by the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.

Stricter Conditions for Future Rallies

The Chief Minister said the government would strengthen the conditions attached to permissions for rallies, processions and other public gatherings and clearly define the “dos and don’ts” to prevent similar incidents in the future.

He urged organisations, groups and participants to cooperate in restoring public confidence, peace and normalcy.

While acknowledging that every citizen has the democratic right to stage a peaceful protest, Sangma asserted that no individual or organisation has the right to take the law into their own hands.

“Violence and attacks on innocent people constitute a red line that must never be crossed. The government will act firmly against those who attempted to create fear and insecurity in society,” the Chief Minister said.