Shillong: Eric Nongkhlaw, president of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Nongthymmai circle in Meghalaya, was arrested by the Shillong police over allegations of assaulting non-tribal labourers during work permit inspections.
The vice president of KSU Nongthymmai, Richard Mawkhiew, criticized the manner of the arrest, which took place in the middle of the night.
Mawkhiew remarked that the operation was conducted as if Nongkhlaw were involved in militant activities.
Despite the arrest, Mawkhiew asserted that the KSU would continue to verify the documentation of out-of-state labourers working in Shillong city of Meghalaya.
Notably, KSU members reportedly assaulted non-tribal labourers working on the renovation of JN Sports Stadium in Shillong, Meghalaya for the upcoming Durand Cup.
Meghslaya chief minister Conrad Sangma addressed the issue, stating that out-of-state labourers do not need work permits but must register with the state’s labour department.
The Meghalaya chief minister confirmed that four cases have been filed regarding the alleged assaults at the stadium.
The Khasi Students’ Union, meanwhile, has justified their actions by pointing to the government’s failure to implement the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA).