Meghalaya government cracks down on violent rallyists

Tourism body fears the October 28 incident in Shillong might potentially damage the industry and kill employment avenues

The Meghalaya government has begun cracking down on the organisers of the October 28 rally in Shillong that turned violent, leaving many people – mostly non-tribals – injured.

This followed the fear of a tourism promotion organisation that the violence might potentially damage the industry and kill the avenues for employment, the very reason why the rally was taken out.

The rally was organised by the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) that has been known to be partisan. During the October 28 rally, members of the organisation wearing masks had shouted ‘Ha ri la jong, katba mon’ while attacking people on the streets.

The line in the Khasi language translates into, “In my own land, I can do whatever I want to.”

Breaking his silence on Monday, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said several rallyists who went on the rampage had been identified and one of them arrested.

“I have instructed the police to take necessary action in connection with the violent rally. Officials have also been asked to ensure standard operating procedures are maintained (for carrying out public rallies) in the future,” he said.

The police said two FKJGP leaders – its general secretary Eldie N. Lyngdoh and senior vice-president Elton Cliff Warjri – have been summoned in Shillong’s central police station for questioning.