Members of the ‘Ka Sur Ki Nong Mawlai,’ today dumped the Khasi kitchen knives at the front gate of the main Secretariat building.
The group, a conglomeration of pressure groups and civil society have been pressing for the suspension of the police officers involved in the death of the ex-militant, Cherishterfield Thangkhiew.
The protest took the police by surprise but hurriedly took over the knives and tried to disperse the group.
The demonstration was followed by a sit-in protest where the members held placards and shouted slogans such as “No suspension, no rest” and “We demand justice for Bah Che”.
Leaders of the group said until the government decides to suspend the top cops involved in the killing of Cherishterfield, to ensure there is a free and fair judicial inquiry, they will continue to protest.
“We want the judicial inquiry to be fair and transparent. The government is playing tricks by insisting on action post inquiry,” Marbud Dkhar, a leader of the group said.
It may be mentioned that the group had earlier held a symbolic ‘knife surrender’ in Mawlai to mock and counter the claim of the police that Cherishterfield had attacked them with a knife when the authorities raided his house on August 13, which led to the ex-militant’s death.
Meanwhile, the sordar (headmen) of Mawryngkneng block held a candlelight vigil at Smit village, about 14 kms from Shillong demand justice for the ex-militant today evening.
Similarly, a group from Upper Shillong, ‘Ka Sur Eh-Rngiew ki Nong Upper Shillong – Mylliem’ will hold a signature campaign from 10 am onwards at 3rd Mile junction and Kynton, Nongkseh to be followed by a candlelight rally at 6 pm on September 13.
In Ri Bhoi, ‘Ka Sur Na Them Ri-Bhoi’ will stage a protest on on the same day at the MUDA Market Complex in Nongpoh. The group plans to burn effigies of top state police officers at the protest. Candles will also be lit in tribute to Cherishterfield.
