Meghalaya remained on edge on Friday as a new wave of arson and petrol bomb attacks targeted government offices and vehicles across several parts of the state, adding to tensions that began after violence during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) black-flag bike rally in Shillong earlier this week.
The latest incidents have also affected road connectivity between Meghalaya and Assam, with commuters facing disruptions along the important Byrnihat-Jorabat corridor connecting Shillong and Guwahati.
Petrol Bomb Attacks Reported Across Meghalaya
One of the incidents was reported early Friday morning in Shillong’s Lachumiere area, where an explosive device believed to be a petrol bomb was allegedly thrown at the premises of a former National People’s Party office. The device reportedly failed to explode. Police and forensic personnel later examined the location, collected evidence and registered a case.
In West Khasi Hills, unidentified persons allegedly set fire to two government vehicles at Nongstoin on Thursday night, destroying both vehicles. Petrol bomb attacks were also reported at government offices, including the offices of the PWD Superintending Engineer at Mawkhlam and Nongpyndeng, as well as the SDO office of the Mawshynrut Civil Sub-Division. The buildings reportedly suffered limited damage.
Another attack took place at the Nongmensong police outpost in Shillong at around 9.30 pm on Thursday. A petrol bomb was allegedly thrown inside the premises, resulting in a chair catching fire. No injuries were reported.
In Ri-Bhoi district, two government vehicles and a motorcycle were reportedly set ablaze at the Water Resources Department premises in Saiden during the early hours of Friday. Another vehicle was partially damaged in the same incident.
A suspected petrol bomb was also thrown at the office of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer at Mawlangwir in South West Khasi Hills. The device reportedly landed on the roof but did not cause significant damage.
Central Forces Deployed
As authorities moved to contain the escalating situation, the Centre approved the deployment of five companies of central security forces in Meghalaya until August 25. The deployment includes four companies of the CRPF and one company of the Rapid Action Force.
Meanwhile, police have registered 15 FIRs in connection with the violence that erupted in Shillong on Wednesday, according to East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem.
Assam-Meghalaya Transport Movement Affected
The unrest has now spilled beyond Meghalaya, triggering tensions among transport operators on both sides of the Assam-Meghalaya border.
The Byrnihat-Jorabat road was blocked from both directions on Friday following a standoff involving taxi operators from Assam and Meghalaya. The Ri-Bhoi district administration subsequently advised commuters to avoid the route and use alternative roads until the situation improves.
Passengers travelling between Guwahati and Meghalaya, including those heading to hospitals, railway stations and airports, have been advised to plan their journeys carefully and take alternative routes where possible.
The transport dispute followed the violence in Shillong on Wednesday, during which at least 31 vehicles were reportedly damaged and several pedestrians assaulted. In the aftermath, Guwahati-based cab operators and transport workers reportedly stopped Meghalaya-registered vehicles at Jorabat and Khanapara, resulting in hundreds of passengers being stranded.
However, vehicles engaged in essential services, including ambulances, were allowed to continue their journey. Police also reported an incident in which a Meghalaya-registered taxi was damaged at Khanapara before authorities intervened to bring the situation under control.
Assam and Meghalaya Governments Step In
With tensions rising, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma have agreed to coordinate efforts aimed at restoring peace and ensuring the smooth movement of people and vehicles between the neighbouring states.
Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Assam Cabinet Minister Atul Bora have been assigned to hold an inter-ministerial meeting to discuss possible measures to reduce tensions and restore normal transport movement.
Transport and drivers’ associations in Assam have placed several demands before the Meghalaya government, including an apology from the Chief Minister and Tourism Minister, compensation for those whose vehicles were damaged and for injured persons, as well as assurances regarding the safety of Assam-registered vehicles and drivers travelling in Meghalaya.
Some of these groups have warned that Meghalaya-registered vehicles should not be allowed unrestricted entry into Assam until their concerns are addressed.
On the other side, drivers’ unions in Meghalaya have also staged protests, alleging that tourist vehicles from Meghalaya were being targeted in Assam.
The Meghalaya government has appealed for restraint and urged residents not to take actions that could further inflame tensions between the two neighbouring states.
As the situation continues to affect public property, passenger transport and interstate travel, authorities are under increasing pressure to prevent further violence and restore normal movement along one of the region’s most important transport corridors.
