SHILLONG: Leaders and activists from the Khasi Students Union (KSU) marched in protest to the Sohra police station in Meghalaya on Wednesday (April 03), denouncing the arrest of two of its members linked to the recent murders of two labourers at Ichamati in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya.
The protesters vocally opposed the arrests and demanded the immediate release of the detained KSU members, Shanborlang Shati and Mesadapbor Skhembill.
Over 100 people including KSU members, family members and the villagers gathered at Sohra police station to demand the immediate release of two of the two individuals, who were arrested by the Meghalaya police in connection with the killing of the two non-tribals at Ichamati.
Amid tight security, the protest unfolded at the Sohra police station in Meghalaya, eventually leading to discussions between KSU leaders and law enforcement.
KSU central body assistant general secretary Rueben Najiar asked the police to refrain from apprehending its members based solely on mobile tower location data.
He highlighted that the presence of many members in the area during the incident was due to their participation in an anti-citizenship amendment act (CAA) protest organized by the KSU at Ichamati on March 27.
Najiar emphasized that the tower location data could inaccurately implicate individuals present for peaceful protest activities.
Furthermore, Najiar rejected the allegations against the KSU members regarding the murder, asserting that they had dispersed after the anti-CAA protest and had no involvement in the incident.
He condemned the “hasty disclosure” of the members’ identities by the Meghalaya police and criticized the potential damage to the KSU’s reputation and communal harmony if the accused were proven innocent.
Additionally, Najiar criticized the Meghalaya police’s behaviour, alleging rudeness during discussions.
He reiterated the KSU’s willingness to cooperate with investigations but warned of decisive action if their demands were not addressed.