Shillong, Nov 9: Two days after the alleged intimidation by masked men armed with machetes against its members at Daistong in East Jaiñtia Hills District, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) today filed its complaint to police seeking arrest of the armed individuals.
In a First Information Report (FIR) filed todau with the Superintendent of Police, East Jaiñtia Hills, the KSU central leadership said that on November 7, its leaders went to Daistong and Shnong Rim to meet local residents to hear their concerns over the plan to set up Shree Cement factory and to support their stand while the enquiry by the Fact Finding Committee is going on.
The KSU also stated that after completing interaction with the local villagers, its leaders accompanied by media persons tried to visit the proposed site for the cement factory.It also alleged that around six to seven masked men armed with machetes, iron rods and sticks suddenly appeared and blocked the path and even tried to attack a KSU member.
The students’ body said the confrontation resulted in a scuffle which was partly filmed and footage of which has since gone viral.
Stating that its members acted in self-defence, the KSU said that policemen present at the spot took no action to apprehend the attackers and instead allowed them to leave.
It also said that even after KSU general secretary Reuben Najiar personally telephoned the Superintendent of Police, no concrete steps were taken raising “serious suspicion” of collusion the attackers and police.
The KSU also dismissed claims by Miki Sukhlaiñ, Kreh Sukhlaiñ and others that they were the ones who got assaulted. It pointed to videos in public domain as key evidence.
Accusing supporters of Shree Cement for the incident, the students’ union asked police to conduct thorugh and unbiased enquiry on the matter. It also said that the future of Daistong, Shnong Rim and neighbouring villages should be decided by the residents themselves and not by intimidation or pressure by outside forces.
