Petrol bomb attacks, arson on govt property rock Meghalaya amid Assam taxi row

Shillong, Aug 21 (PTI) Incidents of arson and petrol bomb attacks on government properties were reported across Meghalaya on Friday, as tensions prevailed following violence during the Khasi Students' Union black-flag bike rally two days ago.

An office that housed the National People's Party previously at Lachumiere was targeted with a petrol bomb around 5 am, but it did not explode, police said.

A police and forensic team reached the spot, collected evidence and registered a case, they said.

In West Khasi Hills, two government vehicles were gutted after miscreants set them ablaze at Nongstoin on Thursday night.

Petrol bombs were also hurled at the offices of the Superintending Engineer, PWD, at Mawkhlam, Nongpyndeng, and the SDO, Mawshynrut Civil Sub-Division and minor damages were reported.

In Shillong, a petrol bomb was hurled at the Nongmensong police outpost around 9.30 pm on Thursday.

It landed inside the premises and set a chair on fire. No injuries were reported.

In Ri-Bhoi, two government vehicles and a motorcycle were set ablaze at the Water Resources Department premises in Saiden around 2 am.

Two vehicles and the motorcycle were gutted, while another government vehicle was partially damaged.

In South West Khasi Hills, a petrol bomb was lobbed at the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer's office at Mawlangwir around 1 am.

The device landed on the roof but did not cause damage.

The Centre has approved the deployment of five companies of central forces -- four CRPF and one RAF -- in the state till August 25 to assist the state police in maintaining law and order.

Police have so far registered 15 FIRs in connection with Wednesday's violence in Shillong, East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem said.

Meanwhile, the Byrnihat-Jorabat road was blocked from both sides on Friday amid the Assam-Meghalaya taxi standoff, prompting the Ri-Bhoi district administration to advise commuters to avoid the route until further notice.

Travellers heading between Meghalaya and Guwahati were advised to use alternative routes, particularly those travelling for medical treatment, airport and railway connections and other emergencies.

At least 31 vehicles were damaged and several pedestrians assaulted during the violence on Wednesday.

Guwahati-based cab operators and transport workers subsequently stopped Meghalaya-registered vehicles at Jorabat and Khanapara.

Hundreds of passengers were stranded, while ambulances and vehicles carrying essential services were exempted.

Police said protesters damaged a Meghalaya-registered taxi at Khanapara before the situation was brought under control.

In a bid to defuse inter-state tensions, Chief Ministers Conrad K Sangma and Himanta Biswa Sarma agreed to work together to restore peace and normalcy following the violence and disruptions.

Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Assam Cabinet Minister Atul Bora were subsequently designated to hold an inter-ministerial meeting and discuss measures to ease the situation and ensure smooth movement of people and vehicles between the neighbouring states.

Assam drivers' associations and tourist cab operators have sought an apology from the Meghalaya chief minister and tourism minister, compensation for damaged vehicles and injured persons, and assurances on the safety of Assam-registered vehicles and drivers travelling to the hill state.

They have warned that Meghalaya-registered vehicles would not be allowed into Assam until their demands are addressed.

Similar protests were also organised by drivers' unions in Meghalaya against alleged "highhandedness" of certain elements in Assam targeting Meghalaya tourist vehicles.

The Meghalaya government has appealed for peace and urged citizens to avoid actions that could further aggravate tensions. PTI