Shillong, Aug 11: After a leader of Ka Sur Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep (KSKBUH) was summoned by the police in connection with putting up black flags on the first death anniversary of former HNLC leader Cherishtarfield Thangkhiew from August 13, it was clarified that the choice is of the people.
The leaders of KSKBUH on Thursday demanded justice for Thangkhiew but did not want to link it with the Independence Day celebrations.
The KSKBUH leader Donbok Kharlyngdoh was summoned by the OC of Mawlai police station on the decision of the group to ask people to put up black flags in front of their houses and vehicles from August 13 to August 15, as a mark of protest against the state government’s failure to take action against the police officials involved in the killing of Thangkhiew.
The KSKBUH has decided to show a short documentary film of Thangkhiew at Mawdatbaki Stand Bus at 7 pm on August 12. Laying of wreaths and putting up of black flags will follow on August 13.
Following the meeting with the Mawlai police, Kharlyngdoh told reporters that it was made known that the group had not forced the people to put black flags instead of the national flags.
“There are those trying to hijack the objective by saying that we are forcing people to put up black flags which is not true, he said.
“We also request the police not to mix the two occasions since August 13 is the first death anniversary of Thangkhiew and August 15 is the Independence Day celebration,” he said.
He also maintained that the group is not forcing anybody as far as putting up of flags is concerned.
“However, we leave it to the public whether they want to put up black flags or they want to put up the national flag, it is up to them,” he added.
