The Meghalaya administration has officially recognized two public transit workers for their heroic efforts during a sudden outbreak of violence in Shillong. Bus driver Fullmoonwell Lyngdoh and conductor Banmanbha Marwien were each presented with a cash award of Rs 10,000 in appreciation of their swift action and composure, which kept every passenger on board unharmed during a stone-pelting attack.
Dangerous Encounter During City Transit
The incident took place on the evening of August 19 around 6 pm, when the electric bus named Ka Bos Jong Ngi was traversing its regular route from Air Force to IIM. As the vehicle reached Wahkdiat in the Nongmensong locality, it unexpectedly met a black-flag motorcycle rally organized by the Khasi Students' Union (KSU). During the demonstration, unidentified miscreants began hurling heavy stones at the public bus, causing its front windshield to shatter instantly and creating immediate peril for both the passengers and the crew.
Decisive Actions under Extreme Pressure
Faced with sudden chaos, conductor Banmanbha Marwien reacted instantly by shouting at all passengers to duck down and seek shelter below the window lines. Simultaneously, driver Fullmoonwell Lyngdoh kept his composure behind the wheel. Instead of panicking or stopping in the middle of the hostile crowd, Lyngdoh navigated the damaged electric bus out of the targeted zone, ensuring that not a single passenger suffered injuries during the dangerous episode.
Official Felicitation and Safety Measures
To highlight their extraordinary devotion to duty, the Urban Affairs Department organized a formal ceremony. Urban Affairs Secretary Wanrilin AM Booth commended the duo, noting that they placed the lives of their passengers above their own safety. Booth firmly stated that any assault against public transport operations remains completely unacceptable, reaffirming the state government's unwavering support for transit workers.
Other senior officials in attendance, including Deputy Secretary Saloni Verma, MUDA Secretary Sainpyniar S Syiemlieh, and Urban Affairs Director P. Kr. Boro, also lauded the brave crew. Syiemlieh revealed that bus frequency on that corridor had already been trimmed as a precautionary measure during the rally. She further suggested introducing specialized crisis management training for transit personnel in collaboration with the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) to handle future contingencies.
Personal Accounts from the Crew
Recalling the harrowing moments, Lyngdoh explained that he had initially slowed the bus down to grant passage to the rally participants before the situation abruptly escalated. His primary focus remained on getting everyone to duck before maneuvering the vehicle to a secure location. Conductor Marwien shared that remaining calm was crucial, explaining that his sole focus was guiding passengers to safety until the bus could safely come to a full stop.
