SHILLONG : The police action against the Khasi Students’ Union escalated late Wednesday night with the arrest of three of its senior leaders following violence during the union’s black-flag motorcycle rally in Shillong.
KSU president Raymond Kharjana, vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben Najiar were taken into custody and brought to Sadar Police Station, according to reports confirmed by a KSU representative.
The arrests followed a day of unrest in different parts of the city, where vehicles were damaged and other incidents of vandalism were reported as the rally moved through Shillong.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem had said the rally was allowed to proceed after the organisers gave an undertaking to maintain peace and prevent any violent activity.
Police also said 31 vehicles were damaged during the unrest. The affected vehicles included private cars, public transport and school-related vehicles. Police have been examining available footage and other evidence to identify those involved in the attacks.
The KSU had earlier said it was stopping its public rally from Jaiaw to Khyndailad after violence was reported along the route. Kharjana said the union believed some opportunistic individuals had entered the procession and were attempting to tarnish the agitation and the organisation’s reputation.
The union then decided that only members of its Central Executive Committee would proceed to Khyndailad for a sit-in, while other participants were asked to disperse.
The rally itself was part of the KSU’s continuing campaign over a five-point charter submitted to the Meghalaya government. The demands cover the Shree Cement public hearing in East Jaintia Hills, implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016, migrant worker regulation and recruitment reforms.
The KSU has also raised demands concerning recruitment at NEIGRIHMS and the removal of interviews for Grade B, C and D posts.
The arrests came later in the night as police began action in connection with the violence reported during the rally.
According to report, Police also conducted an operation at the KSU office in Jaiaw late Wednesday night. Tear gas was reportedly used during the operation as people gathered outside the premises.
