Arrest of Fourth KSU Leader
Meghalaya Police have arrested a fourth senior leader of the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) in connection with the violence that broke out during the union's 'Black Flags Bike Rally' on August 19. The arrested leader, Jeremiah Pohthmi, serves as the Assistant Organising Secretary of the KSU's Central Executive Council and also heads the Nongmynsong unit, as reported by the Free Press Journal.
Pohthmi was taken into custody on Monday and was subsequently produced before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody, according to Lokmat Times. Police sources told the publication that Pohthmi is among five masked individuals identified as allegedly involved in incidents of arson and assault during the violence, particularly attacks on vehicles registered in Assam.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said Pohthmi was accused of inciting violence and causing physical injuries during the disturbances, as reported by the Free Press Journal. Police were preparing to produce him before the court to seek custody for questioning.
Earlier Arrests and Identity Challenges
The latest arrest comes days after police took three other senior KSU leaders into custody in connection with the same case. Those arrested earlier include KSU president Raymond Kharjana, vice president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet, and general secretary Reuben Najiar. The Free Press Journal reported that these leaders are detained in Baghmara, Williamnagar and Tura respectively, and that the East Khasi Hills police are seeking clearance from Police Headquarters to bring them back to Shillong to facilitate the investigation.
A Special Investigation Team has been formed under the supervision of the Inspector General (Law and Order) to expedite the investigation, as reported by the Free Press Journal. SP Syiem acknowledged that investigators were facing difficulties in identifying several people who had covered their faces during the violence. Police are using forensic and technical methods to establish their identities, and legal action would follow against those identified, he said.
Government's Response
Presenting a suo motu statement in the Meghalaya Assembly on Monday, Chief Minister Conrad K. Gangma said authorities had so far identified five masked persons allegedly involved in the violence. "Five masked persons have so far been identified as being involved in the August 19 incident, particularly in the attacks on Assam-registered vehicles. One has already been arrested," he said, as quoted by Lokmat Times.
Speaking to reporters later, the Chief Minister said he did not have the latest details of the investigation but would review the situation during the day. He said further action would be taken to ensure that all those responsible for the violence were brought to justice. Gangma also stated that the government would strengthen conditions and restrictions imposed while granting permission for rallies and processions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Public Safety Measures
The August 19 incidents triggered tension in Shillong and led to concerns over the safety of people traveling between Assam and Meghalaya, as several Assam-registered vehicles were attacked. In response, the Meghalaya government has maintained that the law will take its own course. According to the Free Press Journal, central paramilitary forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force and the Rapid Action Force, have been deployed in vulnerable areas of Shillong until the end of the month to maintain law and order.