By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Hynniewtrep Achik National Movement (HANM) has sought the intervention of Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh for the immediate release of its Patharkhmah Circle president Kodios Thongni who was arrested by the Assam Police last Thursday.
“After the matter was made known to us we immediately informed the Home Minister to do something regarding this matter but till date nothing has been done,” HANM president Lam Kharbani told this scribe on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the demand for the immediate release Thongni was further intensified after the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) joined in pressurising the State Government to counter-react to the uncalled action of the Assam government.
According to Kharbani, there were reports from their lawyers that Thongni, who was arrested from his residence for his alleged involvement in torching an Assam Police outpost on the Assam-Meghalaya boundary, is in judicial custody.
When contacted, Ri Bhoi Superintendent of Police Claudia Lyngwa stated that she is not sure whether Thongni is in police custody or judicial custody.
“As per information from our lawyers, it was informed that no FIR has been filed in this matter and a petition has been filed today (Tuesday) seeking clarification on whether any FIR was filed by the Assam police before the arrest was made,” Kharbani added.
The HANM president said, “The high-handedness of the Assam police has reached a peak and we cannot bear it any longer.”
Meanwhile, criticizing the state government for not responding to this issue, the KSU has demanded immediate intervention by the State Government to effect immediate release of the arrested NGO leader.
Meanwhile, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police M Kharkrang has stated that no arrest has been made when a team of Assam Police arrived here in the capital city on Sunday in connection with the July 2 arson case at Umthna in Ri-Bhoi district.
Reacting to this, Warjri said the high-handedness of the Assam Police is visible when they arrived in the city on Sunday to hunt down the involved persons in the arson case.
“They (Assam Police) should stop pursuing with the arrest as it is beyond their jurisdiction and we cannot allow ourselves to be suppressed in such a manner,” Warjri said.
The Association has also warned that if the government fails to take up steps to ensure the release of Thongni, they would be forced to resort to ‘severe’ actions.