Guwahati: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma visited R.R. Colony in Rynjah on August 29 and met members of the local non-tribal community after the vandalism of a bust of freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose during a recent Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) protest.
Sangma inspected the damaged bust and interacted with residents to hear their concerns following incidents of violence and vandalism reported at several places in Shillong during the KSU’s black-flag motorcycle rally.
During the visit, the Chief Minister assured residents that the bust would be restored and sanctioned ?5 lakh for the restoration work.
Sangma reiterated that the state government would not tolerate vandalism or any activity that threatens the peace, harmony and unity of Shillong and Meghalaya.
The Netaji bust was damaged during the KSU rally, which was organised to press for various demands raised by the student organisation. The protest witnessed incidents of violence and vandalism in parts of Shillong.
The state government has maintained that those responsible for the violence and vandalism will face action in accordance with the law.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had a significant historical connection with Shillong. He first visited the city in 1927 and returned in 1938 while serving as president of the Indian National Congress.
The bust at R.R. Colony was installed on January 23, 2023, to mark Netaji’s birth anniversary.