SHILLONG : The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has lodged a First Information Report (FIR) with the Superintendent of Police (SP), East Jaintia Hills, over the November 7 confrontation at Daistong, alleging that a group of masked men armed with weapons attempted to attack its members during a visit to the proposed Shree Cement plant site.
In its complaint, the KSU Central Executive Council stated that its delegation had visited Daistong and Shnongrim to interact with residents and understand their concerns over the proposed cement plant. The visit was also intended to express solidarity with the villagers while the Fact Finding Committee continues its inquiry into the matter.
After meeting village leaders and holding discussions with elders, women and youth, the delegation, accompanied by journalists, proceeded towards the proposed project site for an inspection.
The Union alleged that the group was confronted by around six to ten men whose faces were covered. According to the FIR, the men blocked their way and allegedly brandished daos, sticks and iron rods, with one KSU member being targeted in an attempted attack.
The situation subsequently escalated into a scuffle, portions of which were captured on video and circulated widely on social media.
The KSU maintained that its members acted in self-defence during the confrontation and attempted to bring the situation under control.
However, the Union also raised serious questions over the response of the police personnel present at the location. It alleged that despite being informed about the incident, the police did not take steps to apprehend those involved and allowed them to leave the scene.
The KSU further claimed that its General Secretary contacted the SP directly, but no concrete action followed. The alleged police inaction, the Union said, had raised concerns about possible collusion between the attackers and police personnel.
The organisation also rejected allegations made by Miki Sukhlaiñ, Khreh Sukhlaiñ and others that they were the victims of the assault, describing their claims as an attempt to misrepresent what happened. The KSU said videos circulating publicly should be examined as part of the investigation.
The Union suspects that individuals supporting or acting on behalf of Shree Cement may have orchestrated the confrontation to provoke the organisation and create unrest. However, this allegation remains to be investigated.
The KSU has called for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the November 7 incident and warned against any attempts to intimidate or provoke its members.
Reaffirming its position, the Union said the future of Daistong, Shnongrim and neighbouring villages must be determined by the people living there, without force, intimidation or pressure.
The FIR and the allegations made by the KSU now add another dimension to the ongoing controversy surrounding the proposed Shree Cement project in East Jaintia Hills.