The Garo Students’ Union (GSU) has demanded the release of six students who were arrested by police after the July 24 violence in Tura.
In a letter to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today, the GSU said that some of the arrested people were circumstantially present for various reasons as the violence occurred on one of the main road arteries of Tura town.
The students who have been arrested were identified as Bartho Ch. Sangma (19), Gamchu R. Sangma (20), Bregimseng S. Marak, Tengchang D. Sangma (20), Pangchu R. Sangma (18) and Akandrik A. Sangma (21).
“These students are just past their juvenile stage not enough to be called a true adult and they have their future to behold and it is not correct to jeopardise their future,” GSU president Tengsak G. Momin said in the letter to the chief minister.
The GSU also said that one of the arrested Silseng Ch. Momin of Ringgi Songitalgri, West Garo Hills had left his motorcycle on the roadside at Nazing Bazaar opposite FCI godown because of a tyre puncture and because most of the repair shops were closed because of the violent incident.
“When he received news that vehicles were being burnt he immediately came in panic to retrieve his vehicle with Lasbert M. Marak of Gopinathkilla, South West Garo Hills, a welding technician in his steel fabrication shop at Ringgigre Songgitalgre. Both of them were picked up by the police when they were pushing the bike. This is circumstantial arrest and they need to be free of criminal charge for it is akin to injustice and harassment,” the GSU said.
“The GSU wishes to convey the message that random arrests are akin to a police state in a democratic setup and such further arrests must be kept in abeyance,” the letter said.
It may be mentioned that at least 46 persons including members of political parties were arrested by police in connection with the violence in Tura.
