SHILLONG : The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has given the Meghalaya government three days to arrest those allegedly involved in the violence surrounding the Shree Cement public hearing, warning that it will resume its suspended agitation if the government fails to take satisfactory action.
The warning came after a KSU Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting on Thursday, where the Union reviewed the assurances given by the state government on August 26.
According to the KSU, the government had given assurances on five demands, including the operationalisation of facilitation centres at Umling and Ratacherra and enforcement of the Migrant Workmen Act within 20 days.
The Union said it would continue monitoring the government’s actions in the coming days, but cautioned that its patience should not be interpreted as acceptance of further delays.
KSU raises concern over members being summoned, arrested
The KSU also condemned what it described as the harassment of its members, citing the summons and subsequent arrest of Samuel Kharbani, general secretary of the KSU Shillong Mihngi Circle.
According to the Union, Kharbani was summoned to Sadar police station over his opposition to alleged illegal mandir construction inside the CBI office premises, but was subsequently booked in connection with the KSU’s August 19 bike rally.
The Union questioned the police action, alleging that its members were being arrested while those responsible for other incidents remained at large.
“Police cannot catch those who damaged vehicles, dug up public road and attacked people going to oppose Shree Cement public hearing at Lum Syrman on July 30-31 night, but randomly arrests our members without evidence,” KSU said.
KSU questions delay in Shree Cement attack case
The Union said around two months had passed without an arrest in connection with the alleged attack during the Shree Cement public hearing-related incident.
KSU alleged that the situation indicated bias in the enforcement of law and questioned whether the police had become a tool to appease certain interests.
The Union has now demanded the arrest of all those allegedly involved within three days, including government officials if any are found to have been involved.
Warns of renewed democratic agitation
KSU said it would restart its agitation if the government fails to provide a satisfactory response and demonstrate concrete steps towards fulfilling the assurances.
“If government fails to give satisfactory reply and show clear steps, KSU will restart democratic agitation. Talks are meaningful only if they bring action,” it said.
The Union also warned that it would not hesitate to withdraw the temporary suspension of its agitation announced on August 26.