Shillong Bike Rally Turns Violent; Vehicles Torched, Statues Vandalized A bike rally organized by the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) in Shillong escalated into violence on Wednesday, with reports of vehicles being torched and statues of Swami Vivekananda and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose being vandalized, according to police. The protest, which passed through various parts of the city, saw multiple government vehicles attacked and partially damaged, with at least two set ablaze. The incident marked a significant escalation in the KSU's ongoing agitation over a five-point charter of demands, which includes the implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, reforms in recruitment processes through the Meghalaya Public Service Commission and District Selection Committees (DSCs), and stricter regulation of migrant workers. The KSU, an influential student body, has also raised concerns about the hiring practices at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), demanding changes in the recruitment process. Separately, the union has opposed the manner in which public hearings for Shree Cement Ltd's proposed limestone mining project in East Jaintia Hills were conducted, calling for the proceedings to be declared null and void. The group had previously issued a 15-day ultimatum to the state government, which was not met, prompting the decision to stage a black-flag bike rally across Shillong. During the rally, KSU members reached the main gate of the Meghalaya Secretariat and displayed protest flags, which were later removed by police.#shillong #swami_vivekananda #khasi_students_union #meghalaya_secretariat #netaji_subhas_chandra_bose
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
Bank Holidays in India: 4 Days of Closure from July 13 to 19, 2026 Banks across India, both public and private, will remain closed for four days during the week of July 13 to 19, 2026, as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar. The closures are scheduled due to a combination of national, regional, and religious holidays. The RBI has announced a list of 12 holidays for July 2026, including all Sundays and specific Saturdays. The holiday period spans from July 13 to 19, 2026, with banks in several cities and regions closing on specific dates. On July 16, banks in Bhubaneswar, Dehradun, and Imphal will be closed due to the Rath Yatra/Harela festival. In Shillong, banks will remain shut on July 17 for the observance of the anniversary of Yu Tiroth Singh. Gangtok’s banks will be closed on July 18 for the Drukpa Tshe-zi festival. Additionally, all banks across the country will be closed on July 19, which falls on a Sunday. The RBI’s holiday calendar for July 2026 includes several other dates. On July 6, banks in Aizawl will be closed for the MHIP Day. In Shillong, banks will remain shut on July 9 for the Beh Deinkhlam festival. Kharchi Pujas in Agartala will also result in bank closures on July 22. These dates are marked under the Negotiable Instruments Act and the closure of bank accounts. According to RBI regulations, all scheduled and non-scheduled banks must remain closed on every second and fourth Saturday of the month, as well as all Sundays. In July 2026, this means banks will be closed on July 5, 12, 19, and 26 for Sundays, along with July 11 (second Saturday) and July 25 (fourth Saturday). Customers are advised to check the RBI’s official holiday calendar before planning visits to bank branches.#dehradun #reserve_bank_of_india #imphal #bhubaneswar #shillong
Scorpions India Tour Canceled Citing Medical Circumstances The German rock band Scorpions have canceled their highly anticipated four-city India tour, originally scheduled to begin on April 21, 2026. The tour, part of their "Coming Home" world tour celebrating 60 years in the music industry, was set to visit Shillong, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. The decision was made due to "unforeseen medical circumstances affecting the band members," according to the organizers, BookMyShow Live. The band expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to fans and emphasized their eagerness to perform in India whenever possible. Tickets purchased through BookMyShow will be automatically refunded within 7-10 working days. The tour marked the band’s long-awaited return to India after their last performance in the country in 2007. The dates were set for April 21 in Shillong at the RBDSA Sports Complex, April 24 in Delhi NCR at HUDA Grounds, April 26 in Bengaluru at NICE Grounds, and April 30 in Mumbai at Jio Gardens, BKC. Vocalist Klaus Meine, who is 77 years old, shared his thoughts on the band’s excitement for the tour. He described the band as being in an "upbeat feeling" ahead of the event, stating that they still enjoy their work and remain passionate about their music. Meine acknowledged the challenges of aging but highlighted the energy he gains from fans, saying, "We’re still standing, god knows how long we can do this. We’re getting older every year, but when we see the fans in front of the stage, we get so much energy and power back from our fans that we’re still young at heart." The cancellation comes after the band’s recent announcement of the tour dates, which had generated significant anticipation among fans.#bengaluru #delhi_ncr #scorpions #bookmyshow_live #shillong
