Meghalaya Govt Properties Targeted in Series of Petrol Bomb and Arson Attacks

Shillong: Tension continued to grip Meghalaya on Friday following a fresh series of arson and petrol bomb attacks on government properties across the state, two days after violence erupted during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) black-flag bike rally in Shillong.

At around 5 am on Friday, a petrol bomb was reportedly thrown at a former National People’s Party office in Lachumiere. Police said the device failed to explode. A police and forensic team later visited the site, collected evidence and registered a case.

Several incidents were also reported in other districts. In West Khasi Hills, two government vehicles were set on fire at Nongstoin on Thursday night and were completely destroyed. Petrol bombs were also thrown at the offices of the PWD Superintending Engineer at Mawkhlam and Nongpyndeng, as well as the SDO office of the Mawshynrut Civil Sub-Division. Only minor damage was reported at the offices.

In Shillong, a petrol bomb was thrown into the Nongmensong police outpost at around 9.30 pm on Thursday, setting a chair on fire. No injuries were reported.

In Ri-Bhoi district, two government vehicles and a motorcycle were torched at the Water Resources Department premises in Saiden around 2 am. Another government vehicle was also partially damaged in the incident.

A separate petrol bomb attack was reported at the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer’s office in Mawlangwir, South West Khasi Hills. The device landed on the roof but did not cause any damage.

In view of the deteriorating situation, the Centre has approved the deployment of five companies of central forces in Meghalaya until August 25. The contingent includes four companies of the CRPF and one company of the Rapid Action Force.

Police have registered 15 FIRs in connection with Wednesday’s violence in Shillong, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said.

The unrest has also spilled over into the transport sector, affecting movement between Assam and Meghalaya. The Byrnihat-Jorabat road was blocked from both sides on Friday amid a standoff between taxi operators from the two states. The Ri-Bhoi district administration subsequently advised commuters to avoid the route until further notice.

People travelling between Meghalaya and Guwahati, particularly those heading for hospitals, airports, railway stations or other emergencies, were advised to take alternative routes.

The disruption followed Wednesday’s violence, when at least 31 vehicles were reportedly damaged and several pedestrians were assaulted. In response, Guwahati-based cab operators and transport workers stopped Meghalaya-registered vehicles at Jorabat and Khanapara, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. Vehicles involved in essential services, including ambulances, were allowed to pass.

Police said a Meghalaya-registered taxi was damaged at Khanapara before the situation was brought under control.

Amid the escalating situation, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma have agreed to coordinate efforts to restore peace and normal movement between the two states.

Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Assam Cabinet Minister Atul Bora have been assigned to hold an inter-ministerial meeting and discuss measures to ease tensions and ensure uninterrupted movement of people and vehicles.

Assam-based drivers’ associations and tourist cab operators have demanded an apology from the Meghalaya Chief Minister and Tourism Minister, compensation for damaged vehicles and injured persons, and guarantees for the safety of Assam-registered vehicles and drivers travelling in Meghalaya.

The groups have warned against allowing Meghalaya-registered vehicles into Assam until their demands are addressed. In Meghalaya, drivers’ unions have also protested against the alleged targeting of Meghalaya tourist vehicles in Assam.

The Meghalaya government has appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid actions that could worsen tensions between the neighbouring states.

With violence now affecting public property, transport and interstate movement, authorities in both Assam and Meghalaya are facing growing pressure to contain the situation and restore normalcy along the busy corridor connecting the two states.

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