Guwahati: An Assam family travelling to Shillong was allegedly attacked during violence that erupted amid a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) rally in the Meghalaya capital on Wednesday, August 19. Their vehicle was reportedly vandalised, while a child inside the car sustained injuries after being struck by broken glass.
A video of the incident circulating online shows extensive damage to the vehicle, including shattered windows, the windscreen, and the rear glass. The child’s father said the family was on its way to Shillong when their car was attacked without warning.
“They attacked our vehicle out of nowhere. My child was inside and has been injured. Glass pieces pierced him,” the father said in the video while displaying the damage.
The incident occurred amid clashes and vandalism reported during the KSU rally in Shillong. Several people were allegedly assaulted and a number of vehicles were damaged as the situation deteriorated.
According to reports, masked individuals targeted vehicles travelling along the rally route, including private cars, government vehicles and those carrying Assam registration plates. Some individuals were also reportedly heard shouting pro-KSU slogans. Their identities and any links to the organisation have not been independently confirmed.
Several people were reportedly injured during the violence, while some vehicles were allegedly set ablaze, triggering fear among motorists and pedestrians in the area.
Reports of Assam-registered vehicles being targeted have sparked concerns among tourists, transport workers and other travellers who regularly use the road connecting Assam and Meghalaya.
Motor vehicle workers’ unions have condemned the reported attacks and raised concerns over the safety of drivers, passengers and tourists travelling between the neighbouring states.
The unions have also warned that such incidents could disrupt regular transport services along the Assam-Meghalaya route.
Several videos of the violence have surfaced online, but the circumstances behind the attacks and the identities of those responsible remain under investigation.