‘Terror has no place in Shillong’
Shillong, Aug 20: Speaking out against the violence that broke out during the KSU rally on Tuesday, Thma U Rangli Juki (TUR) and Civil Society Women’s Organisation (CSWO) said assaults and vandalism undermine democratic dissent and spread terror among citizens, especially children.
In a statement, TUR said it strongly condemns the breakout of violence during the Khasi Students’ Union rally.
“Physical assaults, communal targeting of persons, vandalism, and the destruction of public property undermine democratic dissent. Such actions divert attention from legitimate community grievances and violence is never an acceptable path to resolution of issues,” TUR said.
The organisation also flagged institutional failures, stating that adequate pre-emptive security measures and proactive stakeholder dialogues were completely absent.
“Institutional failures and the government’s inability to maintain law and order is also deeply concerning. Adequate pre-emptive security measures and proactive stakeholder dialogues were completely absent, for which the state must be held accountable,” it said.
TUR further condemned the alleged high-handedness during the recent Shree Cement public hearing in East Jaintia Hills against citizens attempting to voice environmental and community concerns.
“We call for swift legal action against perpetrators of violence and inquiries into arbitrary state action that attempt to silence voices during the public hearing. True peace requires both strict adherence to the law and a government that genuinely listens to its people,” it added.
The CSWO said the violence has created fear and terror in Shillong, with children witnessing it.
“The CSWO strongly condemns the recent assaults, violence, and terror where children are seeing terror and fear in the city of Shillong and we cannot allow this,” CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing and general secretary Evangeline Thabah said in a joint statement.
“The authorities should take responsibility to protect children, women and citizens living in fear. Terror will not be allowed in the State,” they said.
The organisation said the government gets inputs on groups who assault other communities and must take strong action to protect citizens.
“The incident on 19/8/2026 is not at all promoted by the citizens of the State of Meghalaya but by some who prey on vulnerable people to put fear and terrorize them. We are a peaceful State and urge youth to stay away from violence,” the CSWO added.
