Police firm, rubbish KSU charges

SHILLONG, MAY 7:  The Meghalaya police on Tuesday justified the arrest of the two KSU members in connection with the April 4 incident of vandalism and rubbished allegations of making random arrest in connection with the case.

East Khasi hills superintendent of police (SP) M Kharkhrang also said that that adequate arrangement will be made to ensure law and order during the two nights of KSU-sponsored road blockade on May 10 and 11. “We will also provide security to people bound for churches since the road blockade has been extended up to Sunday,” he said.

The KSU has called for a road-blockade from 9 pm to 5 am on May 10 and 11 to demand the unconditional release of the two arrested KSU members, including KSU Mawlai unit general secretary Johnny Lyngdoh and Demseiniong unit member Teilang Nongbri, for their alleged involvement in the incident of vandalism during a procession of the union in the city.

“We have arrested the two based on evidences during investigation. They have been booked under the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act and will be forwarded to judicial custody,” said Kharkhrang.

The police super denied allegations that the force had conducted random arrest. “East Khasi hills police are a professional police force and will act accordingly tp law,” he added.

On the demand for the release of the arrested duo, he said: “There is no instance of unconditional release of persons in the entire country. There is a process of law and that need to be followed. Till today they (KSU) have not done so,” he added.

Seven cases have been registered in connection with the vandalism incident.

Notably, police have also registered a criminal case against miscreants involved in the torching a forest department vehicle (ML 01 6113) on May 1. The SP said the police have identified four persons for their alleged involvement in the arson incident, but they are yet to be arrested since they have gone underground.

On the recent torching of another government vehicle at Lachumiere, he said that the police were yet to make any breakthrough. (By Our Reporters)