SHILLONG : Five people have so far been identified in connection with the August 19 violence in Shillong, particularly attacks on Assam-registered vehicles, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said on Saturday.
Speaking after a high-level Assam-Meghalaya meeting in Guwahati, Dhar said 15 FIRs had been registered in connection with the incidents and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been formed to identify other masked individuals involved in the violence.
“Five persons have so far been identified as being involved in the incidents, particularly in the attacks on Assam-registered vehicles,” Dhar said.
He said the SIT would work to identify the remaining masked individuals and ensure their prosecution.
“A Special Investigation Team has been constituted to identify all the masked individuals involved in the violence and to ensure their prosecution,” Dhar said.
Dhar also said the Meghalaya government had expressed regret over the August 19 incidents and assured Assam that action would be taken against those responsible.
“The Government of Meghalaya has sincerely regretted the unfortunate incidents of 19 August 2026 in Shillong and are sure to take strong actions against those who are responsible,” he said.
He further confirmed that the KSU president, vice-president and general secretary had been arrested under the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act.The meeting also dealt with the large number of people and vehicles affected by the subsequent interstate blockade.
“More than 3,700 people have already been safely escorted out of Meghalaya so far,” Dhar said.
He added that around 400 to 500 vehicles that had earlier been stranded in Meghalaya had crossed through key transit routes.
“Any passenger or vehicle yet to be transferred to Assam will be safely escorted and transferred within the next 48 hours,” he said.
