SHILLONG : The Meghalaya Linguistic Minority Development Forum (MLMDF) has called for stronger legal and administrative measures following the recent incidents of vandalism, street intimidation and alleged desecration of national icons in Shillong.
The forum said peaceful demonstrations are part of democratic rights but alleged that some permitted rallies have repeatedly created fear among residents, with masked riders and unregistered two-wheelers allegedly bypassing security arrangements.
Residents, workers, tourists and commuters, including women and children, were among those affected by the recent unrest, it said.
The forum has approached the High Court of Meghalaya seeking directions for stricter standard operating procedures during rallies. Among its demands are a ban on identity-concealing masks during demonstrations, checks on vehicles before rallies, drone surveillance along protest routes and an independent inquiry into alleged police lapses.
The MLMDF has also submitted a representation to East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal, seeking that rallies not be routed through densely populated, multi-community residential areas. The forum has called for stricter enforcement of existing rally protocols, stronger policing and mechanisms through which grievances can be addressed without allowing tensions to spill onto the streets.
It separately raised the issue of damage to the busts of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Swami Vivekananda at R.R. Colony, seeking a time-bound investigation by a senior officer. The organisation has also called for state-sponsored restoration of the damaged busts, saying the move would reaffirm protection for national icons.
The MLMDF said it has launched an online petition addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, seeking intervention over the wider situation.
The forum said it expected the High Court and state administration to act in the larger public interest, stressing that stronger accountability and responsible conduct were necessary to prevent further incidents and maintain peace in Meghalaya.
