Guwahati: The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) has condemned the police raid on the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) office and the arrest of its top leaders following violence during the KSU bike rally in Meghalaya, while saying it does not endorse violence or public disorder.
In a statement, the JNC’s Central Executive Committee, led by president Bah Sambormi Lyngdoh, said democratic protests should remain peaceful and expressed concern that the arrests were made without what it described as a “proper and transparent investigation”.
The JNC said incidents of unrest had occurred in different parts of the state in the past, but the raid on a student organisation’s office and the immediate arrest of its president, general secretary and vice-president raised questions about the police action.
The organisation questioned why the KSU leaders were arrested before an impartial investigation into the events surrounding the rally.
The JNC also linked the latest developments to the controversy surrounding Shree Cement’s entry into East Jaiñtia Hills. It alleged that the company’s activities had contributed to tensions and divisions among communities, including differences between Elaka Sutnga and Elaka Nongkhlieh.
The organisation also raised concerns over the handling of public hearings held on the 30th and 31st, alleging excessive use of police force. It said some of its leaders were arrested on the 30th and alleged that vehicles and people travelling to the public hearing were attacked with stones.
The JNC said individual police personnel should not be held solely responsible for such actions, as they operate under the authority and direction of the government. It said police officers could not undertake such actions without instructions from higher authorities.
The organisation also questioned a statement by the Secretary and Dolloi of Elaka Nongkhlieh that both supporters and opponents had been invited to the public hearing. The JNC asked who had the authority to call people to the hearing and whether the Elaka had organised the process.
On the KSU arrests, the JNC alleged that external influence or pressure could have played a role and said it feared the action was part of a wider attempt to suppress the voices of indigenous people.
The organisation also alleged that those responsible for creating disorder during the bike rally may not have been KSU members.
The JNC further criticised the NPP-led Meghalaya government and questioned whether political interests were being prioritised over the rights, land and concerns of indigenous communities. It also alleged that Shree Cement could have influence over the ruling party and that state machinery was being used to suppress opposition to the company’s activities.
The JNC said its deadline for the government would expire on August 23. Its Central Executive Committee would then meet to decide on further “peaceful and lawful democratic actions” concerning the matter.
The organisation appealed to the people of Hynñiewtrep to reflect on the developments and decide whether to remain silent or stand up for the rights, land and future of the indigenous people.