SHILLONG : The East Khasi Hills district administration has decided to revoke permission granted to the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) for its proposed sit-in protest at Khyndailad on Thursday.
Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal said the decision followed the violence and damage reported during the union’s black-flag bike rally in Shillong on Wednesday.
Baranwal said the KSU had earlier been given permission for the sit-in, but the conditions attached to the earlier rally were not followed.
“No, we are going to revoke the permission, especially in light of the incidents which have happened,” Baranwal said during a briefing.
He said the administration and police had maintained communication with the KSU before Wednesday’s rally and had received assurances that the demonstration would remain peaceful.
The situation changed after several cases of vandalism, arson and assault were reported at different locations during the rally.
“Since the conditions were violated, since a series of vandalism, arson, and assault cases were reported yesterday, the permission which has been given for their sit-in protest for tomorrow, we will be revoking that,” Baranwal said.
The KSU had earlier called off its public bike rally from Jaiaw towards Khyndailad after violence broke out along the route. The union had then announced that only its Central Executive Committee members would proceed to Khyndailad for a sit-in.
The proposed sit-in will now not have permission from the district administration.
The DC also said the 16 people who were reported injured during Wednesday’s incidents had received medical attention at Civil Hospital, Shillong.
“From what I understand, all these 16 people have reported to Civil Hospital, Shillong, and they have been given the requisite medical care,” he said.
The administration has also asked a sector magistrate to remain in contact with Civil Hospital in case any of the injured require further treatment or tertiary medical care.
Baranwal said the government would provide assistance wherever further medical treatment is required.
The Tourism Department is also expected to issue helpline numbers for tourists who may have been stranded or require assistance following the violence.
“Anyone basically who was assaulted yesterday, we did provide them medical care, and we are committed to ensure that they do get the requisite medical care wherever required,” Baranwal said.
The decision to withdraw the sit-in permission comes as police continue investigating the incidents reported during Wednesday’s KSU rally, including vehicle damage, assaults, arson and vandalism at several locations in Shillong.
