SHILLONG : The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Tuesday alleged bias and “random arrests” in the police action following the violence that occurred during its black flag bike rally in Shillong on August 19.
Former KSU general secretary Donald V Thabah claimed that several leaders and members of the Union have been served notices and subsequently arrested in connection with different cases.
“Many were served notices. Two KSU members were served notices with regard to illegal construction at the headquarters of the CBI in Shillong. After they were summoned for that case, they were arrested for another case. One of them was released because he was not part of the rally,” Thabah said.
He alleged that the developments pointed to lapses within the police department.
“So we feel that there is a lapse within the police department and this is very biased with regard to random arrest,” he said.
KSU questions police action over Shree Cement hearing
Thabah also questioned why police had not taken similar action against people allegedly involved in obstructing the Shree Cement public hearing in East Jaintia Hills.
“If they can arrest us, why can’t they arrest those who are involved in obstruction of the Shree Cement public hearing, like those people pelting stones and those people who are digging up the road in front of the eyes of the police and district administration,” he said.
The KSU has previously raised concerns over the public hearing and demanded action against those allegedly involved in disrupting the proceedings.
FIR filed with Crime Branch
Thabah said the KSU East Jaintia Hills unit and residents of Elaka Nongkhlieh have lodged an FIR with the Crime Branch after the Union’s three-day ultimatum expired on Tuesday.
“Let us see whether the police will take action or not against those people who are obstructing the public hearing,” he said.
Five KSU leaders arrested so far
Thabah added that the arrests would not deter the KSU from pursuing its demands and causes.
So far, five KSU leaders have been arrested in connection with the August 19 violence, including KSU president Raymond Kharjana, vice president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben Najiar.
The August 19 violence followed the KSU’s black flag bike rally and resulted in two vehicles being torched, 31 vehicles being vandalised and 18 people being assaulted.