Guwahati: Meghalaya saw several attacks on government facilities within 24 hours of Wednesday’s disturbances in Shillong, while a blockade in Assam affected traffic between the two states.
A petrol bomb was thrown at a police outpost in Shillong, while two government vehicles and a motorcycle were burnt at the Water Resources Department premises in Saiden, Ri-Bhoi.
Another petrol bomb was thrown at a government office in South West Khasi Hills. No injuries were reported.
The latest incidents followed Wednesday’s clashes during a students’ bike rally in Shillong, in which at least 31 vehicles, mostly registered in Assam, were damaged and several people were allegedly assaulted.
The Centre on Thursday approved five companies of central forces for deployment in Meghalaya until August 25, comprising four CRPF companies and one RAF company, to assist the state police with law and order.
Shillong remained largely peaceful on Thursday, except for an incident at the Nongmensong police outpost around 9.30 pm.
A petrol bomb landed inside the compound and set a chair on fire. CRPF personnel were on the upper floor, but nobody was injured. Police said a case would be registered and CCTV footage examined.
In Saiden, the two government vehicles and motorcycle were set on fire around 2 am at the Water Resources Department premises. Bolero ML 01 4464 and the motorcycle were completely burnt, while Bolero ML 01 5359 was partly damaged. Police have begun an investigation.
At around 1 am in South West Khasi Hills, a petrol bomb thrown at the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer’s office at Mawlangwir village near Mawkyrwat landed on the roof without causing damage. SP B Jyrwa said nearby residents heard the blast but did not see anyone at the site.
East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem said police registered 15 FIRs on Thursday over the Shillong disturbances.
A blockade by Guwahati cab operators and transport workers at Jorabat and Khanapara near the Assam-Meghalaya border also affected Meghalaya-registered vehicles on NH-27.
Passengers travelling in Meghalaya-registered vehicles were asked to get down at Jorabat and switch to Assam taxis, while Meghalaya taxis leaving Guwahati were allowed to travel without passengers. Ambulances and vehicles carrying essential services were allowed through.
Guwahati Police said protesters damaged a Meghalaya-registered taxi at Khanapara before the situation was brought under control. Protesters also stopped the vehicle of the Additional SP, West Garo Hills, but later allowed it to proceed towards Shillong.
Assam drivers’ associations and tourist cab operators have sought an apology from Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and the Tourism Minister, compensation for damaged vehicles and injured people, and written assurances on the safety of Assam-registered vehicles and drivers in Meghalaya.
They said Meghalaya-registered vehicles would not be allowed into Assam until their demands were met.
Some social media users in Assam have also called for a six-month boycott of Meghalaya as a weekend tourist destination.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma agreed to work together to restore peace and normal movement between the two states following the recent disturbances and disruption in traffic.
Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Assam Cabinet Minister Atul Bora have been tasked with holding an inter-ministerial meeting to discuss steps to ease the situation and facilitate the movement of people and vehicles between the states.
The two governments are expected to discuss measures to prevent further disturbances, protect commuters and transport operators, and maintain the movement of essential goods and services.
The Meghalaya government has urged people to remain peaceful and avoid actions that could worsen tensions.
Police and security forces remained deployed in sensitive areas of Shillong and elsewhere in the state to prevent further disturbances.