Shillong, Oct 8: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has denied the charge that it has taken up the matter of extortion by police against truckers has anything to do with the arrests of pressure group leaders connected to the August 19 riots.
The KSU organised a rally on that date, which descended into wanton violence as non-tribals and government property were targetted. Police subsequently arrested several of the group’s top leadership. In the last few days the KSU released video of police personnel apparently collecting bribes from truckers in the New Shillong area. Police have suspended several lower ranks and an inquiry has been initiated.
On Tuesday Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong alleged that the KSU action exposing the police and calling for the removal of East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem is linked to the arrests the force has made against the KSU leadership.
In a statement issued today, the KSU said the attempt to connect the two issues was unwarranted.
The union further said if the Home Department, which is overseen by Tynsong, can no longer resolve or give a clear answer regarding the actions of people under its supervision, the question the public should ask is no longer, “Who were those troublemakers at the KSU rally?” but “Who exactly is supervising and responsible for the Home Department?”
“If leading the Home Department has become too difficult, there is a dignified way out, that is, to step down from the chair,” it told Tynsong.
The KSU said it will not be diverted by “political gymnastics” and demanded that the police’s alleged illegal collection be investigated and action be taken as per law.
