Shillong, November 8, 2025 The opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Friday issued a strong condemnation of what it described as “excesses and brutality” by the MDA government against office bearers and members of the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners’ and Drivers’ Association (MCTODA).

In a sharply worded statement, VPP spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh said the government’s actions “deserve the strongest condemnation from all quarters,” asserting that such behaviour has “no place in a democratic society.”

Myrboh said the incident has shocked residents of Mawryngkneng, particularly women and children, who were distressed by the events that unfolded.

“Instead of ensuring peace and tranquillity in the state, the government chooses to strike fear among the people while at the same time treating the cement companies as the VIPs of the state,”
he said.

The VPP accused the government of placing corporate interests above public welfare and recalled earlier instances of alleged state brutality, including the Thangskai incident in East Jaintia Hills and the use of tear gas on peaceful demonstrators.

The party applauded the residents of Mawryngkneng for their “courage and resilience” in standing up to what it termed government authoritarianism. It further demanded the immediate release of arrested MCTODA leaders and urged authorities to drop all charges against them.

“Peaceful protest is a democratic right that needs to be respected,” Myrboh reiterated.