Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Parishad seeks Impartial Probe into Shillong Violence

A CORRESPONDENT

DIBRUGARH: The Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Parishad (AJYP) has expressed deep concern over the violent incident in Shillong on August 19 in connection with a rally organised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU).

The organisation has urged the governments of Assam and Meghalaya to conduct an impartial investigation into the incident, take strict legal action against those found responsible and adopt urgent measures to prevent such incidents from recurring.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, AJYP president Ujjal Kumar Chutia and general secretary Udayan Kumar Gogoi said allegations had emerged regarding the vandalism of Assam-registered vehicles, attacks on tourists and passengers, and damage to government property during the incident.

The organisation expressed concern that such incidents could adversely affect the longstanding cordial relations, mutual trust and goodwill between Assam and Meghalaya.

AJYP welcomed the ministerial-level discussions already held and the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to identify those allegedly involved in the incident. It demanded that the investigation be completed in a fair, impartial and transparent manner and that strict action be taken against those found guilty. The organisation also called for a joint meeting involving representatives of student and youth organisations from both states in the presence of the Chief Ministers of Assam and Meghalaya.

Among its other demands, AJYP called for government identity cards and uniquely numbered stickers for cabs and taxis, a 24-hour toll-free helpline for drivers and passengers, and a mechanism for receiving complaints through WhatsApp and SMS.

AJYP further urged the authorities to strengthen police deployment in sensitive areas, organise peace talks between transport associations and organisations from both states, and conduct awareness programmes in schools and colleges focusing on interstate harmony, brotherhood and peaceful coexistence.

The organisation expressed hope that both governments would take the matter seriously and initiate prompt measures to restore normalcy and further strengthen the historic ties, harmony and mutual trust between Assam and Meghalaya.

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