Shillong: Army and Rapid Action Force (RAF) conducted a flag march in Shillong on Saturday to build confidence among residents after violence and vandalism in the Meghalaya capital.Security measures have been stepped up in the hill city following violence during a bike rally organised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Aug 19 to press for its five-point charter of demands.Several incidents, including assaults on passers-by, damage to around 31 vehicles — including commercial vehicles bearing Assam registration plates — and alleged damage to statues of Swami Vivekananda and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in a city locality, were reported. Police have registered 15 FIRs in connection with the incidents.Three senior KSU leaders were arrested under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in connection with the violence.The Meghalaya govt has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to identify those involved in the violence and vandalism, particularly the attacks on Assam-registered vehicles. The govt has said those accused will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.Meanwhile, residents queued at petrol pumps across Shillong amid apprehensions of a fuel shortage after the North-East Petroleum Mazdoor Union (NEPMZ) suspended the loading of petrol, diesel and LPG tankers in Assam for transportation to Meghalaya. The union cited security concerns and protested the vandalism of Assam-registered vehicles.
