A motorcycle rally organized by a prominent student organization in Shillong, Meghalaya, turned violent as protesters clashed with authorities. The rally, which aimed to demand recruitment reforms and the implementation of security acts, saw demonstrators vandalizing and setting fire to several vehicles, primarily those owned by the government. In addition, the glass panel of a statue of philosopher Swami Vivekananda was damaged during the unrest.
The KSU has sought action against the deputy commissioner, police superintendent, and officials of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board for allegedly obstructing public participation at a July hearing on a cement manufacturing plant in East Jaiñtia Hills. The fifth demand relates to reform of the government recruitment process and Standard Operating Procedures for all recruitment boards. The rally followed a series of public meetings across Shillong on Monday and Tuesday, with KSU setting a 15-day deadline for the government to act on its demands. It has been demanding the establishment of facilitation centres at all 18 entry points in the Khasi and Jaiñtia Hills for the implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act. The KSU has sought immediate implementation of the amended Meghalaya Migrant Workmen Act, 2020, including measures to regulate migrant workers and strengthen safeguards for local employment. It has sought an 80:20 female-to-male ratio for nurses and reservation for Khasis, Jaiñtias and Garos. On July 25, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned amid student protests over examination irregularities.
KSU leader Reuben Najiar had said the Union would take its agitation to the streets if the government failed to respond. The KSU took out the “black-flag” motorcycle rally on the day job aspirants and student unions, agitating against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment exams for nearly a month, announced a 60-day suspension of their sit-in after the state government conceded to almost all of their key demands.
