Student bike rally in Shillong turns violent, damaging statues and government vehicles

The Khasi Students' Union launched a black-flag bike rally in Shillong, citing an unmet 15-day ultimatum to the state government over a five-point charter of demands. During the protest, statues of Swami Vivekananda and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at the Relief and Rehabilitation Colony were vandalised, and at least two government vehicles were set ablaze. Demonstrators also reached the main gate of the Meghalaya Secretariat, where they hoisted flags that police later removed.

The agitation seeks implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, changes to recruitment through the Meghalaya Public Service Commission and District Selection Committees, tighter control of migrant workers, and revisions to hiring practices at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences. Additionally, the KSU demanded the nullification of a public hearing on Shree Cement Ltd’s proposed limestone mining project in Lum Syrman, East Jaintia Hills. Security forces were stationed across the city, and officials awaited further details on damage and any arrests.