Shillong | One more person has been arrested in connection with the violence during the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) “Black Flag” rally in Shillong on August 19, taking the total number of arrests to four, including three KSU leaders.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma told the Assembly on Monday that five masked men allegedly involved in attacks on vehicles registered in Assam had been identified, with one of them arrested. Describing the violence as “unfortunate”, Sangma assured the House that the government would take strict action against everyone found responsible.

“The government would take all steps and action, and all those involved in the August 19 violence would be brought to justice,” he said. Three KSU leaders were earlier arrested and booked under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. They were subsequently remanded to 14 days’ judicial custody on August 20.

At least 31 vehicles, mostly government SUVs, were damaged during the violence, while a government vehicle was set on fire. Several pedestrians were also reportedly assaulted.

Sangma said a Special Investigation Team headed by an Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) had been constituted to investigate the violence and identify those involved, particularly in attacks on Assam-registered vehicles.

The Chief Minister also said the government was taking steps to restore normal movement and improve relations along the Meghalaya-Assam border. Vehicles are currently moving between the two states, he said. As part of the efforts, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Assam Cabinet Minister Atul Bora held a joint meeting on August 22 to build confidence and work towards restoring normalcy along the inter-State border.

A district-level joint committee comprising officials from Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district and Assam’s Kamrup district will also be constituted. The committee will be headed by the respective Deputy Commissioners and include senior police officials from both states.

The panel will deal with day-to-day issues along the inter-State border and coordinate efforts to prevent local disputes from escalating. A separate transport committee will also be formed with commissioners and secretaries from both states, along with representatives of tourist taxi operators.

Sangma said the transport committee would focus on protecting the shared tourism interests of Meghalaya and Assam. It is expected to hold its first meeting in the second week of September.

Reiterating his government’s resolve to act against those responsible for the August 19 violence, Sangma said the administration would “leave no stone unturned” to ensure that all those involved were brought to justice.