Shillong: Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People's rally turns violent

Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People FKJGP rally in Shillong turned violent with innocent passers-by being assaulted.

The rally was organised to highlight the unemployment problem. The rally moved to the GS Road leading to Khyndailad. Masked volunteers of the FKJGP started assaulting the passers-by. At Dhankheti junction people were beaten up with sticks. Shopkeepers had to put down their shutters as panic gripped the city.

Several people were injured. Two reporters of a local daily were also assaulted for taking videos, Non-tribal were targeted. Attacks on non-tribals were more in Malki and Dhanketi areas and many traders downed the shutters of their shops.


Police personnel were outnumbered. A district administration official said that violence was unexpected. The FKJGP leaders said miscreants in the rally must have taken advantage. The rally started at Malki around 11.20 am and culminated at Fire Brigade ground, Laitumkhrah at 1.30 pm.

Deputy chief minister of Meghalaya Prestone Tynsong told media persons, “Police is authorised to take necessary action. Police is on the job. Let the police do its work. The government and police will take necessary action.”

He added, “Anybody can hold a rally however one has to ensure that law and order is maintained.”

FKJGP added that it is unfortunate that such incidents have taken place. However, the government is not paying attention to the ballooning problem of unemployment.