NEW DELHI: Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday spoke to his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma over the violence reported in Shillong after attacks on people from Assam during a students’ rally.In a social media post, Sangma said that they had agreed to work together to normalise the situation. He said designated cabinet ministers from both states will take the discussions forward and explore ways to restore peace.“Spoke with the Hon’ble chief minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma ji regarding the unfortunate violence in Shillong on 19th August and the reactions that have followed, which have affected the common people and commuters of both States,” Meghalaya CM Sangma said.“We have agreed to work together, as always, to normalise the situation. Designated cabinet ministers from both States will meet to take the discussions forward and explore ways to restore peace, trust and normalcy. Appeal to citizens of both States to maintain peace, harmony and restraint. Meghalaya and Assam share deep bonds, and we must work together to protect them,” he added.Meanwhile, Himanta labelled Assam and Meghalaya as “sister states” and said that he conveyed Assam’s concerns over the recent violence in Shillong.“I also conveyed to Shri Conrad Sangma Assam’s concern over the recent incidents in Shillong, particularly those involving Assam-registered vehicles. Hon’ble minister for border protection Shri Atul Bora has been asked to coordinate closely with the authorities in Meghalaya and work towards ensuring that peace and normalcy prevail between our two States,” Himanta said.“Assam and Meghalaya are sister states, bound by deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties. Mutual respect, restraint and sensitivity must guide us at all times. We must do everything within our power to preserve the harmony, friendship and goodwill that have long defined the relationship between our people,” he added.Violence broke out during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) rally in Shillong on Wednesday, with several people reportedly injured and vehicles damaged. The incidents triggered reactions in Assam, with transport workers demanding action over the alleged attacks.The bike rally passed through various parts of Shillong, during which at least 31 vehicles were damaged, while at least two government vehicles were set ablaze, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said.As tension continued along the Assam-Meghalaya border, protesters disrupted the movement of Meghalaya-bound vehicles at Jorabat. Meanwhile, Guwahati-based cab operators also blocked National Highway-27 for vehicles from Meghalaya.
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The SP said three KSU leaders were booked under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in connection with damage to public property, assaults and other offences during the rally.The arrests came hours after the KSU leaders addressed a press briefing, where they denied that members of the organisation were involved in the vandalism and arson during the rally.The KSU leaders alleged that “people with vested interests” had sneaked into the rally with the intention of derailing the KSU’s demands.
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