KSU asks Govt to stop rly project

SHILLONG: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has threatened to continue its protest if the government does not stop the railway project in Byrnihat. The pressure group also demanded that its leaders and members, who were arrested after the violent protest in Ri Bhoi on Saturday, be released. KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar told reporters on Monday that the government has failed to come up with effective laws to prevent influx of “outsiders” into the State. “We have all along maintained a strong stand that it is only when such laws are in place, we will be ready to talk on whether to welcome the railway project,” said Marngar. Earlier, Ri Bhoi police had arrested KSU-North Khasi Hills District president Ferdynald Kharkamni and central body assistant secretary Son Nongkhlaw. The duo was booked under the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act after three FIRs were lodged against attacks on properties, machineries and workers at the   railway construction site at Ronghona village under Byrnihat police outpost. However, KSU said more members of the union, including Gayant Sylliang and Ramesh Lyngdoh, from ByrnihatKhanapara area were also arrested on Monday. Terming the arrests as “provocation”, KSU said its members should be released if the government wants peace. “The DC and the SP should take full responsibility if anything happens to our members,” said Marngar. KSU general secretary Donald V. Thabah alleged that it was the police who provoked the members who had only retaliated against lathi charge.