Four people have been arrested for their alleged involvement in vandalism and assault during a rally organised in Shillong last week over unemployment, police said on Thursday.
With the fresh arrests, the total number of apprehensions in the incident has risen to five. One person was earlier arrested in connection with the violence.
“Four people have been arrested and a few others, who have been identified after scrutinising videos of the rally, have fled to evade arrest,” East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtynger said.
The arrests were made during raids conducted on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning.
They will be produced before a court in connection with three cases of assault and vandalism that took place on October 28, he said.
The police have also registered six cases against FKJGP secretary Eddie Lyngdoh.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday said one person was arrested in connection with the assault and vandalism during a rally here.
The CM also said stern action will be taken against those involved in the violence at the rally taken out against unemployment on 28 October.
“One person has been arrested and three FIRs have been lodged in connection with the violence. A large number of people have been identified and necessary action is going to be taken against them,” Sangma told journalists here.
At least three persons were injured, and some vehicles damaged, when the rally turned violent. The Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) had organised the rally demanding that the state government fill up vacant posts in various departments and offer other employment opportunities to youth.
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Pointing out that he had reviewed the law and order situation following the violence at the rally that left three people injured and several vehicles damaged, he said two-three vehicles were “slightly” damaged in the incident.
“We have reviewed the entire situation and directed the police to take action. Necessary arrangements and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that need to be made in future were also discussed at a meeting,” he added.
Sangma said when permission is given to hold a rally, the organisers are expected to follow due process and take a certain level of responsibility.
The East Khasi Hills district administration has issued a show-cause notice to the organisers of the rally, Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), holding the outfit’s leaders responsible for violation of the conditions laid down for taking out the rally.
