SHILLONG: The National Khasi Union (NKU) central body has opposed land acquisition by the Assam Rifles at Lawbyrwa. In an emergency meeting held on October 30, the NKU, led by S. Malai, stated that its primary concern was the overall welfare of the public and Ri Bhoi district. “NKU is not opposed to the defence personnel, but a conflict can arise when villagers and the Assam Rifles personnel use the same thoroughfare, which will cause inconvenience to the locals,” a statement issued by NKU said. Lawbyrwa consists of many adjoining villages and the land acquisition for setting up Assam Rifles units would create problems in the near future, the meeting observed. “The Assam Rifles should try to look out for areas which are directly accessible by the National Highway and do not have any habitations in the vicinity,” the NKU said.