SHILLONG: Following a high-level security review with the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of East Khasi Hills, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Prestone Tynsong confirmed that the law and order situation in the district remains under control. Evaluating the developments late in the evening, Tynsong noted that no additional untoward incidents were reported across the region, leading the district administration to decide against imposing a night curfew. However, security personnel and local authorities have been directed to maintain strict vigilance throughout the night to prevent any further disruption to public peace.
Addressing the severe traffic bottlenecks along the Shillong–Guwahati National Highway caused by unrest near Jorabat and Khanapara, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that the situation was quickly resolved following top-tier administrative intervention. Meghalaya’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police established direct communication with their Assam counterparts, successfully restoring normal traffic flow on both sides of the inter-state border by evening. Appealing to the public to remain calm, Tynsong confirmed that vehicular movement along the vital supply corridor has fully resumed without further impedance.
In response to criticism surrounding a lack of dialogue, Tynsong clarified that the state government had proactively reached out to the Khasi Students’ Union prior to the procession. He stated that Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, acting through the Deputy Commissioner, formally invited the union leadership for official discussions, but the offer was declined as the group chose to go ahead with its scheduled program. Reaffirming the government’s position, Tynsong emphasized that the administration’s doors remain open to any organization seeking constructive dialogue, stressing that the state’s primary focus remains the immediate restoration of normalcy and lasting peace.
The Deputy Chief Minister also firmly dismissed accusations of an intelligence failure, supporting the stance taken by the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills. He pointed out that while permission for the rally was granted on explicit assurances from organizers that the event would remain peaceful, the presence of numerous masked individuals in the procession revealed underlying intentions. According to Tynsong, such actions reflected deliberate misconduct rather than an intelligence oversight, and he assured that law enforcement agencies will take stringent action against all individuals responsible for violating the law.
To identify those involved in the acts of violence and vandalism, the district administration has deployed surveillance drones and is actively analyzing local CCTV footage to track down perpetrators who damaged public property, including government assets and Assam-registered vehicles. Strongly condemning the targeting of vehicles from neighboring states,
Tynsong warned that such acts threaten inter-state harmony. He assured citizens that strict action is underway against offenders and revealed that the Chief Ministers of Meghalaya and Assam are maintaining direct contact, with plans to establish a joint committee to foster long-term stability and goodwill along the shared border.
