India, Aug. 20 -- A bike rally by the Khasi Students' Union in Shillong turned violent on Wednesday, with government vehicles torched, dozens more damaged, statues vandalised and several people assaulted. Three top KSU leaders were arrested a day later. Here is what led up to it and what the union wants.

What happened

The KSU organised a black flag bike rally through Shillong as part of its ongoing agitation against the state government. As it moved through areas including Polo, Barik and Mawlai, several vehicles were attacked, including a police escort vehicle and a National Informatics Centre vehicle. At least two government vehicles, including one belonging to the Food Corporation of India at Mawlai, were set on fire. Statues of Swam...