Shillong, Nov 10: East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem today refuted allegations that the police used excessive force during the recent protest by truckers at Mawryngkneng junction.
Police are known to have used tear gas and a lathi charge to disperse truckers who had blocked vehicles transporting cement and clinker from Jaintia Hills as part of their dispute with cement companies over transportation rates. There were also certain claims that police used stun grenades against the protestors. The truckers, certain political parties, pressure groups and even locals of Mawryngkneng have criticised police in their actions.
Clarifying the sequence of events, Syiem said that four individuals were arrested in connection with the protest and, initially, three cases were registered against them. “Subsequently, when cement and clinker trucks were being escorted from East Jaintia Hills via West Jaintia Hills, there was a lot of stone pelting and damage to our vehicles, for which a fourth case was registered,” he said.
The SP informed that bail applications for the arrested individuals have been moved and the matter is now under the discretion of the court. “It will be up to the court whether to grant bail. We will take it from there,” he added.
When questioned about the allegations that the police resorted to unnecessary force, Syiem maintained that the action taken was both necessary and restrained. “The crowd was clearly informed by the magistrate on duty not to obstruct the movement of trucks. However, despite repeated warnings, there was massive stone pelting, assault and even abduction during the chaos. The police had to resort to a mild lathi charge to bring the situation under control,” he stated.
He stressed that the force used was minimal and in accordance with protocol. “It is not that we flouted any norms or used excessive force. It was very minimal and the police exercised maximum restraint,” Syiem said.
Addressing speculations about political or administrative pressure to release the arrested individuals, the SP clarified that no such pressure exists. “There’s no pressure to release them. Bail is within the hands of the judiciary. The leaders who were at the forefront of the agitation were involved when these incidents occurred and the law will take its own course,” he asserted.
