Shillong/Guwahati: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday held talks over the violence in Shillong on August 19, and agreed that the two states will work together to restore peace and normalcy.
Violence had erupted during a bike rally by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) in Shillong. At least 31 vehicles, including those from neighbouring Assam, were damaged, 16 people injured and two vehicles set ablaze, East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem had said.
“Spoke with the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, Dr @himantabiswa ji regarding the unfortunate violence in Shillong on August 19 and the reactions that have followed, which have affected the common people and commuters of both states,” Sangma said in a post on X.
“We have agreed to work together, as always, to normalise the situation. Designated Cabinet Ministers from both states will meet to take the discussions forward and explore ways to restore peace, trust and normalcy,” he said.
Sangma also appealed to people of both the states to maintain peace, harmony and restraint.
“Meghalaya and Assam share deep bonds, and we must work together to protect them,” he added.
Sarma said he has held talks with Sangma over attacks on Assam vehicles during the Shillong violence and conveyed the state’s concern.
“I also conveyed to Shri @SangmaConrad Assam’s concern over the recent incidents in Shillong, particularly those involving Assam-registered vehicles.
“Hon’ble Minister for Border Protection Shri @ATULBORA2 has been asked to coordinate closely with the authorities in Meghalaya and work towards ensuring that peace and normalcy prevail between our two states,” he said on X.
Sarma said Assam and Meghalaya are sister states, bound by deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties, and that mutual respect, restraint and sensitivity “must guide us at all times”.
“We must do everything within our power to preserve the harmony, friendship and goodwill that have long defined the relationship between our people,” the Assam CM added.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Police on Thursday registered 15 FIRs in connection with the Shillong violence, the East Khasi Hills SP said.
He said police have launched an intensive search operation to identify and apprehend those involved in the violence and arson during the rally on Wednesday.
