Shillong: A tragic road mishap escalated into large-scale violence on the evening of May 18, as an enraged mob stormed the premises of Star Cement in Lumshnong, East Jaintia Hills, torching more than 15 trucks and damaging company infrastructure. The incident unfolded after a local resident lost his life in a traffic collision involving a company truck, sparking outrage among nearby villagers.
The unrest was ignited by a collision near Wahiajer village along National Highway-06, where a Star Cement truck and a pickup vehicle were involved in an accident. According to initial reports, the cement truck, allegedly driven by a local resident, fled the scene. The pickup driver and others gave chase, leading them to the cement factory. Upon confrontation at the plant, the cement truck reportedly surged forward, fatally hitting the pickup driver. The sudden death sent shockwaves through the surrounding communities.
News of the fatality spread rapidly, mobilising hundreds of villagers who descended on the cement plant armed with traditional weapons and improvised tools. What began as a protest quickly devolved into chaos as the crowd destroyed security outposts, dismantled CCTV cameras, and assaulted a security guard on duty. In a dramatic turn, they prevented authorities from removing the victim’s body, further inflaming tensions.
The situation spiraled further out of control when the mob set fire to several trucks parked inside the facility. Firefighters rushed to the scene, but their efforts were met with hostility. Reports indicate that the mob attempted to block fire tenders and attacked fire personnel, prompting a police response. Law enforcement officers, trying to protect emergency services, faced stone-pelting and aggressive resistance before reinforcements could restore order.
Authorities confirmed that the blaze was eventually subdued and no further casualties were reported. As of now, the area remains under tight security, with additional forces deployed to prevent any repeat of the violence. An investigation into the incident is underway, and officials have vowed to take stringent action against those involved in the destruction.
Read More: Rakibul Hussain Sparks Political Firestorm, Predicts Ouster of Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma