The East Khasi Hills police have claimed involvement of the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (COMSO) members in the two recent arson cases in Shillong.
The superintendent of police of East Khasi Hills said on February 12, 2020 two arson cases were reported in the city.
In the first case, a Maruti Gypsy bearing registration No ML-01-5716 was set ablaze at Langkyrding, Shyiap in Shillong while in the second ease, a Bolero Pick-up bearing registration No. AS-18-C-13797 was set ablaze at Laitlum, Mawlai Mawtawar in Shillong.
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Based on eyewitness’ accounts and CCTV footage, from both the locations, the involvement of miscreants in a bike bearing registration No ML-05-K-9946 was confirmed, said the SP in a statement.
The district police chief said during the course of the investigation, two of the miscreants were identified as 26-year-old Banshanlang Marboh, and 20-year-old Henry Kharjahrin and accordingly they were arrested.
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“Both of the arrested accused persons are members of the HYC, Nongthymmai Circle and have confessed to their involvement in the above case,” the East Khasi SP said.
Police are still investigating the case and further arrests are not being ruled out.
The SP said, “It is to reiterate that HYC is one of the major members of COMSO and the involvement of its members in this appalling act of violence runs contrary to their stated objective of holding a peaceful agitation for implementation of ILP.”
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It may be mentioned that the COMSO recently announced to launch an agitation ‘direct action’ and implement the ILP on its own.
The SP also said one of the arrested accused, Henry Kharjahrin is the first cousin of Robert Kharjahrin, the chairman of COMSO and the president of HYC.
The East Khasi Hills SP asked the pro-ILP leaders to refrain from unlawful activities.
“These acts have created a feeling of panic and fear among the general public and the leaders are hereby directed to refrain their members from any such unlawful activity, as stem action will be initiated against the persons involved,” the SP said.