Vehicles Torched, Statues Damaged As Meghalaya Students' Rally Turns Violent The Khasi Students' Union (KSU), a prominent student organization in Meghalaya's Khasi Hills region, organized a rally that turned violent in Shillong, resulting in damage to vehicles, assaults, and vandalism of historical statues. The incident unfolded as part of the KSU's ongoing agitation over a five-point charter of demands, which include issues related to recruitment, protection of indigenous residents, migration, and environmental concerns. The rally, which began on Wednesday, saw escalating tensions as the protest moved through various parts of the state capital, leading to significant disruptions and damage to public and government property. Trouble was reported in multiple areas of Shillong, including Polo, Barik, and Mawlai, as the rally progressed. According to Meghalaya police sources, vehicles were damaged, people were allegedly assaulted, and government vehicles were set ablaze during the evening. The National Informatics Centre (NIC) vehicle was vandalized at Barik, with its rear windshield broken, while a police escort vehicle sustained damage, including a shattered side window. Additional vehicles, such as a pickup truck and a Telecom Department vehicle, were also reported damaged. The situation escalated further at the Food Corporation of India office in Mawlai, where a government vehicle was reportedly set on fire. The vandalism extended to historical landmarks, with the glass enclosure surrounding a statue of Swami Vivekananda at RR Colony in Shillong being damaged. The statue, installed by RRCWS in 2025, was targeted during the rally. Statues of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose were also vandalized, highlighting the extent of the unrest.#national_informatics_centre #shillong #khasi_students_union #reuben_najiar #east_khasi_hills_deputy_commissioner
