Guwahati: The deputy chief minister of Meghalaya Prestone Tynsong requested the FKJGP leaders to “manage” their members on Friday after the group’s demonstration in Shillong descended into violence.
The group held a protest against unemployment but it quickly descended into violence with some participants observed hitting bystanders as well as two journalists who were recording the incident. The miscreants were spotted running after peoples and attacking them with bamboo pole-flags.
According to a district administration official the violence was unexpected.
The FKJGP leaders said that rally miscreants must have benefited. Around 11.20 am, the rally began in Malki and ended at 1.30 pm at the Fire Brigade Ground in Laitumkhrah. There were representatives from several pressure groups, including HNYF, RBYF, FKJGP, JSU, and KSU.
The government has directed the police authority to ensure that there are no issues with law and order, the deputy chief minister told the press.
When asked if a reply would be sought from FKJGP about the violence during the rally which included an attack on the journalists, he said, “As far as the law and order is concerned, we authorize the police authority to take necessary steps whatever is required to be done.”
“We will get all the inputs from the police and accordingly the police or the government will take its own course of action,” he added.
Tynsong said they can have a peaceful march without endangering public safety in a message to the group and NGOs.
“The message is very clear that you can have a peaceful rally or meeting, but please do not create a law and order situation. I request all the leaders of FKJGP and other NGO leaders, you can have your meeting, but at the same time, please control your members. We don’t want any law and order situation in the state,” he said.
“The district administration assessed the situation along with the police. I’m sure the situation should be under control,” the Deputy Chief Minister added.
Further investigation into the matter is underway.