SHILLONG : The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has questioned the Meghalaya Police action against its East Jaintia Hills general secretary, Kwilness Suchiang, who was picked up from his home and taken to Sadar Police Station for questioning in connection with the August 19 black-flag bike rally.
The KSU said Suchiang was questioned over his alleged involvement in the rally and claimed that his role on the day was limited to participating in a prayer before the programme began.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Union expressed its opposition to the police action and questioned why Suchiang was being linked to acts of vandalism reported on August 19.
The KSU alleged that police were attempting to connect Suchiang with the vandalism simply because he had participated in the prayer and supplication held before the rally.
The Union argued that participation in a prayer before a public programme should not, by itself, be treated as evidence of involvement in any subsequent act of vandalism.
It further said that if police have evidence against anyone involved in vandalism, the investigation should be based on evidence and should identify those actually responsible.
The KSU also questioned the practice of summoning or questioning its members or office bearers solely because of their association with the organisation.
“The power to summon, interrogate, detain or arrest comes with the responsibility to use that power as per law and evidence,” the Union stated.
The organisation asked where the investigation into the persons actually involved in the alleged acts of vandalism on August 19 stood.
It also accused the police of what it described as the misuse of power and demanded an explanation for picking up Suchiang from his home if there was no evidence linking him to the vandalism.
The KSU said it respects the rule of law but would not remain silent if police power was, in its view, being used to intimidate or suppress public dissent.
Meanwhile, police have released Suchiang after questioning.