Shillong, Sept 8: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has alleged bias in the police action following the violence during its black flag bike rally on August 19.
Former KSU general secretary Donald V Thabah said many leaders and members of the Union have been served notices and randomly arrested.
“Many were served notices. Two KSU members were served notices with regard to illegal construction at the headquarters of the CBI in Shillong. After they were summoned for that case, they were arrested for another case. One of them was released because he was not part of the rally. So we feel that there is a lapse within the police department and this is very biased with regard to random arrest,” Thabah alleged.
Questioning police inaction against those who allegedly obstructed the public hearing for Shree Cement in East Jaintia Hills, he said, “If they can arrest us, why can’t they arrest those who are involved in obstruction of the Shree Cement public hearing, like those people pelting stones and those people who are digging up the road in front of the eyes of the police and district administration.”
He said that the KSU East Jaintia Hills unit and residents of Elaka Nongkhlieh have lodged an FIR with the Crime Branch after the Union’s three-day ultimatum ended on Tuesday.
“Let us see whether the police will take action or not against those people who are obstructing the public hearing,” Thabah said.
He added that such arrests would not deter the Union from pursuing its causes.
Five KSU leaders, including president Raymond Kharjana, vice president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben Najiar, have been arrested in connection with the August 19 violence that left two vehicles torched, 31 vehicles vandalised and 18 people assaulted.
