Meghalaya: Petrol Bombs Hurled at Security Forces in Capital City

SHILLONG: Although several parties including the police personnel of the state had claimed that the situation inside the state of Meghalaya, the reality is far from the truth. A protest in the capital city turned violent which led to severe chaos and damage to public property.

A candlelight protest was organised in the capital city of Shillong on Thursday. Organisations taking part in this protest included the Khasi Students' Union, Federation of Khasi Jaintia & Garo people, Ri Bhoi Youth Federation, Hynniewtrep National Youth Front and Jaintia Students' Union.

The protesters were demanding justice for the people who died in the conflict on the Assam-Meghalaya border a few days back. And the protest soon turned ugly as a few miscreants turned violent. Reports mentioned that a few miscreants were present among the protesters wearing masks.

These miscreants started an argument with the Meghalaya Police personnel who were present to prevent any untoward incident. This argument soon turned violent and chaotic. These miscreants reportedly hurled several petrol bombs at the police. The incident took place near the Civil Hospital of Shillong and led to the damage of much public property.

The violent mob also attacked a bus full of CRPF personnel near the civil hospital area. Reports mention that the crowd also pelted stones on the bus. The CRPF personnel were able to abandon the vehicle safely before the mob tried to set it on fire.

Leaders of the protesting organisations were however able to douse the flames and prevent any further damage. They also toppled a traffic police post and set it ablaze leading to the temporary closure of the road between Civil Hospital and Barik.

It took the administration and emergency services a few hours to clear the road and resume traffic. Shops and businesses across the city closed early fearing any possible incidents of violence. Several organisations called for a 'non-cooperation' protest in five districts of the state.

Meanwhile, the state government extended the blanket ban on mobile internet services out of fear of the spread of misinformation and subsequently leading to more violence.

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