SHILLONG, AUG 20: The Meghalaya government will recover damages for Wednesday’s violent KSU bike rally under the MMPO Act and has revoked permission for the union’s August 21 agitation.
Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal on Thursday told reporters that the rally violated permission conditions and has been declared an unlawful assembly, with an FIR filed.
Three leaders – president Raymond Kharjana, vice president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben Najiar – have been arrested.
“16 assaults, damage to private vehicles, torching of two vehicles including a government vehicle, and vandalism of statues of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Swami Vivekananda have been reported,” Baranwal said.
“We will invoke the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act and impose financial sanctions. The organisation and individuals responsible for damage during a procession are liable to pay,” he said.
He said permission for Friday’s protest stands was revoked as assurances of a peaceful rally were broken.
The DC also said an FIR has been filed after a petrol bomb was hurled at police during a raid at the KSU office in Jaiaw.
“Police had gone to arrest those directly involved in the assaults. A petrol bomb was hurled at them. The response with one stun grenade and tear gas was proportionate and only to disperse the attacking crowd. Police withdrew after community leaders intervened,” he said.
He said the injured are being treated at Civil Hospital, helplines will be issued for stranded tourists, and coordination is on with Assam after reports of Meghalaya vehicles being stopped near Jorabat.
Curfew, he added, remains a last resort.
By Our Reporter
