SHILLONG : Former Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) president Lambokstarwell Marngar on Thursday said the arrest of the organisation’s top leaders would not weaken the union but instead intensify its agitation over its five-point charter of demands.
Marngar was reacting to the arrest of KSU president Raymond Kharjana, vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben Najiar, as well as the police raid at the KSU office in Jaiaw following Wednesday’s violence during the union’s bike rally in Shillong.
Condemning the police action, Marngar alleged that the KSU office and nearby houses were vandalised and residents were subjected to harassment and intimidation.
“Three top leaders have been arrested. What we condemn is that after arresting them, they vandalized the office and houses nearby. This is unacceptable,” he said.
He alleged that police entered the locality in an intimidating manner and used abusive language, while tear gas reportedly entered houses and frightened children.
“Police have to do their duty, but in a proper manner. There are headmen and youth clubs,” Marngar said.
‘Issues Will Continue’
Marngar said the arrest of the three leaders would not bring the KSU’s agitation to an end, asserting that the union has many other leaders who can continue its programmes.
“You can arrest anyone, but the issues will continue,” he said.
He alleged that the government’s actions would “not extinguish the fire but add fuel” and accused the NPP-led government of giving greater importance to Shree Cement than to issues concerning indigenous people.
The KSU has been opposing the July 31 public hearing for a proposed Shree Cement project in East Jaintia Hills, alleging that the hearing was pre-arranged.
‘Miscreants Infiltrated Rally’
On the violence during Wednesday’s bike rally, during which 31 vehicles were reportedly vandalised, Marngar claimed that miscreants had infiltrated the rally with the intention of tarnishing the KSU’s image.
“The KSU has clarified there were opportunists during the rally. In nine years of leading KSU, I have seen attempts to sabotage its programs,” he said.
He maintained that the union would continue its agitation peacefully and “with wisdom, not weapons”.
Marngar also clarified that the agitation was not directed against the people of Assam but against the state government over what he described as its silence on core issues.
Warning to NPP Government
Targeting the NPP-led government, Marngar reminded elected representatives that their positions were temporary and dependent on public support.
“You were made to sit in the Secretariat by the public. Don’t think CM, Home Minister or MLA is a permanent post. It is contractual for five years. The public has the power to remove you,” he said.
On the government’s decision to revoke permission for the proposed sit-in at Khyndai Lad, Marngar said the government should take responsibility for the consequences of its decisions.
“Since the government has fuelled the fire, let the government answer,” he said.
Asked whether the KSU would specifically demand the release of its arrested leaders, Marngar said the union’s primary focus remained the implementation of its five-point charter of demands.
“Our main demand is implementation of the five demands. Release or not, the issues will go on,” he said.