Shillong, Nov 8: Two local men have spoken out about the confrontation on Saturday between members of the Khasi Students Union (KSU), locals and factory workers at Daistong in East Jaintia Hills.
Two men of Moolasngi village – Ameriki Sukhlain and Khreh Sukhlain – were injured on Saturday and have alleged that it was members of the KSU and people from Shnongrim who were responsible.
The KSU was present in the area ostensibly to lend its support to those opposing the proposed Shree Cement limestone-cum-cement factory in the area.
The pressure group claimed that its members were waylaid by men armed with daos and that one had attempted to kill a KSU member.
Khreh Sukhlain admitted that he had been carrying a dao that day but only because he uses it on his farmland.
Speaking about the incident, he said he saw many vehicles and unknown people arriving and went to speak to them. “I thought the KSU had come to help the Khasi-Pnar people but instead the KSU beat us,” Khreh Sukhlain said.
He added that if the KSU wanted to talk about Shree Cement, they should talk to the company men and not them, as they do not work for Shree Cement. “We are farmers and labourers,” he said.
Ameriki Sukhlain also alleged that he was injured on his head when he was on his way to his farmland. He alleged that KSU members and people from Shnongrim were involved in the act.
