By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The arrest of two KSU activists on Tuesday night for their alleged involvement in the April 4 vandalism in the city had immediate fallout in the torching of a government vehicle by unidentified miscreants on Wednesday afternoon with security being beefed up in the city.
Police on Tuesday night arrested KSU Mawlai circle general secretary Johnny Lyngdoh (30) and Demseiniong KSU unit member Teilang Nongbri for their alleged involvement in the April 4 vandalism during the Khasi National Awakening Day rally.
The government vehicle (Bolero-ML01 6113) allotted to the Divisional Forest Officer of the Forest department, R Nainama Mallai, was torched at around 3 PM by unknown miscreants at Forest Colony inside the campus of the Forest Guest House.
Earlier, a magisterial inquiry by DM Wahlang had established the role of the students’ body in the incidents of violence.
Another administrative inquiry which was headed by senior official Rebecca Suchiang had recommended measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police M Kharkrang on Wednesday said that the two KSU activists were arrested based on the FIRs lodged and added that the duo was remanded in seven-day police custody.
“If evidence is there against more activists, we will carry out more arrests,” Kharkrang added.
He also said that the police are examining possible links with the arrest of the KSU activists and the torching of the government vehicle.
“Immediately after the case of arson was reported, we had a meeting of the police officials to assess the situation and to prevent the occurrence of such incidents,” he said.
Chief Secretary WMS Pariat told reporters that the police had made the arrests as per the law and on the basis of the FIRs against the April 4 incidents.
Asked about the Government’s reaction on the magisterial and administrative reports on the incident, the Chief Secretary said that the Government was still examining the reports.
Meanwhile, when contacted, KSU general secretary Auguster Jyrwa refused to comment on the matter.