Fresh incidents of arson and petrol-bomb attacks were reported from several parts of Meghalaya in the past 24 hours as tensions persisted following violence that broke out during a Khasi Students' Union (KSU) black-flag bike rally in Shillong on August 19, police said on Friday.
Multiple attacks across districts, no casualties
Police said the spate of attacks included petrol bombs hurled at a police outpost in Shillong and at offices in other districts, and the torching of government vehicles. Authorities reported no injuries in any of the incidents.
- In Shillong, a petrol bomb was thrown at the Nongmensong police outpost around 9.30 pm on Thursday; the device landed inside the premises and set a chair on fire, police said.
- In Ri-Bhoi district, miscreants set fire to two government vehicles and a motorcycle parked at the Water Resources Department premises in Saiden at about 2 am. One Bolero (ML 01 4464) and a motorcycle were completely gutted while another Bolero (ML 01 5359) suffered partial damage, authorities said.
- In South West Khasi Hills, a petrol bomb was lobbed at the office of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer at Mawlangwir village, near Mawkyrwat, around 1 am; the device landed on the roof and did not cause damage.
- Two petrol bombs were reported at the National People’s Party office in Lachaumiere, Shillong, early on Friday; one exploded and the other failed to detonate, with no damage reported.
- Reports also indicated incidents in West Khasi Hills, where two government vehicles were reportedly gutted at Nongstoin and a petrol bomb was thrown at the office of the superintending engineer, PWD (Roads), though no damage was recorded in the latter case.
Neighbours heard the blast but did not see anyone at the spot,
South West Khasi Hills SP B Jyrwa said locals heard an explosion but no persons were seen in the vicinity. Police said they will register cases and examine CCTV footage from affected areas as part of their investigations.
Background: violence during KSU rally
The fresh incidents follow violence on Wednesday during a KSU black-flag bike rally in Shillong, which led to widespread damage to vehicles and reports of assaults. Police and administration sources said at least 31 vehicles, mostly Assam-registered, were damaged in the violence and that several persons were assaulted.
Law enforcement has registered multiple cases related to the unrest; officials said 15 FIRs were filed in connection with the Shillong violence. Senior KSU leaders — president Raymond Kharjana, vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben Najiar — were arrested and remanded in judicial custody. Kharjana has been transferred to Williamnagar district jail, while Sanmiet and Najiar were lodged at Tura district jail, officials said.
Central forces deployed to assist state police
The Centre on Thursday approved the deployment of five companies of central forces to assist the Meghalaya police in maintaining law and order. Authorities said the deployment comprises four CRPF companies and one RAF company and will remain in the state until August 25.
The East Khasi Hills administration has imposed restrictions on public gatherings in parts of Shillong under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to prevent further disturbances, officials added.
Investigations under way
Police said teams have been formed to probe the incidents, collect forensic evidence and review CCTV footage. Cases will be registered at the respective police stations where the attacks took place. No arrests connected specifically with the petrol-bomb or arson incidents reported in the last 24 hours were disclosed by police at the time of reporting.
Authorities appealed for calm and asked citizens to cooperate with the investigation. The deployment of central forces and the imposition of restrictions aim to restore normalcy and deter further acts of violence while police continue their enquiries.
| District/Location | Incident | Time (reported) |
|---|---|---|
| Shillong (Nongmensong) | Petrol bomb at police outpost; chair set on fire | ~9.30 pm (Thursday) |
| Ri-Bhoi (Saiden) | Two govt vehicles and one motorcycle gutted at Water Resources Dept premises | ~2.00 am |
| South West Khasi Hills (Mawlangwir) | Petrol bomb thrown at Animal Husbandry office; landed on roof, no damage | ~1.00 am |
| Shillong (Lachaumiere) | Two petrol bombs at NPP office; one exploded, one failed to detonate | ~5.00 am |
| West Khasi Hills (Nongstoin) | Two govt vehicles gutted; petrol bomb thrown at PWD office (no damage reported) | Night (Thursday) |
Police said they are liaising with central forces and district administrations to secure sensitive locations, protect government installations and maintain free movement on key routes. Investigations will determine perpetrators and whether the attacks are linked to the earlier rally-related violence.
