Guwahati, August 21: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma discussed the recent violence in Shillong and its implications on Thursday.
Both leaders agreed to work together to restore peace, trust, and normalcy between the neighboring states.
Sangma mentioned that he spoke with Sarma about the violence that occurred on August 19 and the subsequent reactions. These events have impacted the local population and travelers in both Assam and Meghalaya.
In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, Sangma stated, “As always, we have agreed to work together to normalize the situation.” He added that cabinet ministers from both states will meet to discuss measures for peace and restoring normalcy.
Sarma expressed his concerns regarding the recent incidents in Shillong, particularly those involving vehicles registered in Assam. He instructed Assam’s Border Security Minister Atul Bora to collaborate with Meghalaya officials to maintain peace and normalcy between the two states.
Sarma emphasized the close relationship between Assam and Meghalaya, referring to them as “sister states” connected by deep historical, cultural, and interpersonal ties. He urged that mutual respect, restraint, and sensitivity should always guide their interactions. He called for every possible effort to maintain the long-standing harmony, friendship, and goodwill between the people of both states.
These statements came amid heightened tensions following violent incidents during a black-flag bike rally organized by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) in Shillong on Wednesday.
Reports indicate that the rally led to stone-pelting, vandalism, arson, and physical altercations in various parts of the city. Concerns have also arisen regarding the safety of vehicles and travelers coming from Assam.
The East Khasi Hills district administration announced the enforcement of the ‘Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act’ to compensate for damages to public and private property. The administration also canceled the approval for the KSU protest planned for Friday.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya police arrested three senior KSU leaders: President Raymond Kharkhana, Vice-President Pinkamenlang Sanmit, and General Secretary Ruben Najiyar in connection with the violence.
Sangma appealed to the citizens of both states to maintain peace, brotherhood, and restraint, emphasizing the need to protect the deep-rooted ties between Assam and Meghalaya. The proposed meeting between cabinet ministers from both governments is expected to provide a platform to address immediate concerns and prevent further escalation of the situation.
Both governments are now striving to ensure that recent events do not affect the long-standing relationships among the people and do not disrupt the movement and economic activities between Assam and Meghalaya.
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