SHILLONG, August 22, 2026 — In a visible display of preparedness and commitment to public safety, personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) carried out a flag march through the streets of Shillong on Saturday.
The exercise, involving troops from 67 Battalion CRPF and D/136 Battalion RAF, aimed to instil confidence among residents and reinforce the forces’ resolve to maintain peace and security in the face of the prevailing law-and-order situation. Official accounts described the deployment as a steady, calm presence focused on supporting local authorities and reassuring the public.
The flag march comes days after violence erupted during a “Black Flag” bike rally organised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on August 19. Protesters damaged at least 31 vehicles—many bearing Assam registration numbers—assaulted several people, set some vehicles ablaze, and allegedly vandalised statues, including one of Swami Vivekananda. Three senior KSU leaders were arrested and remanded in judicial custody.
In response, the Centre approved the deployment of five companies of central forces (four CRPF and one RAF) to assist Meghalaya Police until August 25. Sporadic incidents of arson and petrol-bomb attacks on government properties were reported in the following days, while blockades along the Assam-Meghalaya border disrupted traffic and raised fuel-supply concerns in Shillong. Both states’ chief ministers have called for restraint and dialogue to restore normalcy.
Videos and photographs circulating from the Saturday march show uniformed personnel moving in formation through city streets, projecting order and readiness. North Eastern Sector CRPF and other official handles emphasised the forces’ commitment to peace.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with the Meghalaya High Court having taken suo motu cognisance of the earlier violence and directed intensified efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible. Officials maintain that the overall situation remains under control, with no night curfew imposed.
The flag march underscores the coordinated effort by central and state forces to stabilise Shillong and prevent further escalation while supporting the return of normal civic life.
