Several injured as rally over unemployment turns violent, police registers suo motu case

SHILLONG, OCT 28: Several people including media persons were attacked on Friday when a “peaceful” rally over unemployment turned violent.

Organized by the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), hundreds of activists carrying banners and flags took part during the rally which started from Motphran and culminated with a meeting at Madan Iewrynghep, Fire Brigade.

However, protesters were caught on camera attacking people including those who were travelling on their two-wheelers. At least two media persons were also attacked during the protest.

Some vehicles were also vandalized.

Superintendent of Police (City) Vivek Syiem said two suo moto cases are being taken  up at Laitumkhrah  police station and Sadar police station for which legal action will be taken on the physical assaults and vandalism on pedestrians and commuters.

“There were sporadic attacks on people and on two-wheelers – mostly in the Dhankheti area – during the rally. Few people who have been attacked were identified through videos taken of the incident. However, there have been no serious injuries to any person,” Syiem said.

“We will investigate and take action accordingly,” the SP added.

Earlier, FKJGP chief Dundee C Khongsit tendered a public apology following the incident.

“As president of the organization, I really apologize in front of all the media. We didn’t expect that the unfortunate incident would be happy as before we started the rally, we have already appealed to all the youth who have attended the rally that this is a peaceful rally. I would like to extend my apology to them (people who were assaulted) that we feel sorry and we will take the responsibility,” Khongsit said.

Stating that there is so much of frustration among the youth as there were some who have been victims of the police recruitment which have not been declared up till now, FKJGP president however said, “But it is our duty as leaders to appeal to the youth to kindly be calm I hope we can address their issues and problems at the earliest.”

Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Editors’ and Publishers’ Association (MEPA) had strongly denounced the highhandedness by a group of youths on two journalists Riba Mary Suchiang of Batesi TV and Evangelist Khongwar of U Mawphor who were performing their duty during the rally on unemployment organised by the FKJGP in the city on Friday.

The fact that the group of youths did not spare the two journalists even after they have identified themselves as journalists is something that is uncalled for and deplorable.

MEPA therefore urged the organisers of the rally to immediately identify the persons involved in the incident and take them to task as per law and also to apologise to the two journalists for the highhandedness meted out to them.

By Our Reporter