Criticism over show of strength by Police

SHILLONG:  There is a criticism over the show of strength by the police personnel with masks on their faces and pointing AK-47 weapons standing on the Gypsy as part of the patrolling drill through various localities to contain violence.
The move of the police is in the wake of spurt in violent incidents during the agitations.
In a statement issued here on Saturday, Seng Samla Shilliang Umkhen president Judah Wahlang said that the way the police are patrolling in the Khasi dominated localities is adding fuel to the situation.
“The police are trying to provoke seeing the way the police personnel are covering their face and carrying guns while standing on the vehicles. This attitude of the police is infusing a sense of insecurity among the people and also creating anger among the local youth,” Wahlang said.
He said that the situation has not demanded for the police to act in this way.
“We need to understand that there are many unwanted element who are taking advantage of the situation. The classic case is the series of incidents which occurred at Nongmynsong. Even though there was suspicion that the local youth were involved, finally it was the non-tribals who were responsible for the various incidents,” SSSU president said.