Multiple arson and petrol-bomb attacks were reported across Meghalaya over the past 24 hours, authorities said on August 21, as violence that began during a students’ bike rally in Shillong two days earlier spread to several districts. No injuries have been reported, but government vehicles, offices and a police outpost were targeted, prompting stepped-up security measures.
A motorcycle parked at Malki in Shillong was set on fire on Friday morning. In Ri-Bhoi district, unidentified attackers struck the Water Resources Department premises at Saiden around 2 am, torching two government vehicles and a motorcycle; officials said one Bolero and a motorcycle were completely gutted while a second Bolero suffered partial damage. Police have launched an investigation.
In South West Khasi Hills, a petrol bomb was thrown at the office of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer in Mawlangwir village near Mawkyrwat around 1 am. The device landed on the roof but failed to cause damage; South West Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police B. Jyrwa said residents heard the blast but did not see any suspects.
A petrol bomb was also hurled at the Nongmensong police outpost in Shillong at about 9.30 pm on Thursday. The device landed inside the compound and ignited a chair; CRPF personnel on the upper floor were unhurt. Police said a case will be registered and CCTV footage examined to identify the perpetrators.
West Khasi Hills saw two separate arson attacks in which a vehicle belonging to the Community and Rural Development Block and another from the PWD Roads wing were set ablaze. These incidents follow violence during the students’ rally in Shillong two days earlier, when at least 31 vehicles-most bearing Assam registration numbers-were damaged and several people were allegedly assaulted.
Police have intensified efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible. East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said 15 FIRs have been registered in connection with the disturbances in Shillong. The Centre has approved deployment of five companies of central armed police forces-four CRPF companies and one RAF company-in Meghalaya until August 25 to assist the state police.
Officials said the overall situation in Shillong remained largely peaceful with a heightened security presence in sensitive areas. The Meghalaya government appealed to citizens to maintain peace and avoid actions that could inflame tensions, while police and security agencies continue to monitor vulnerable locations.
