5 held for Ri Bhoi arson

SHILLONG: Five persons were arrested on Saturday in connection with the recent cases of arson, including the torching of the tea processing unit at Umsning earlier this month, in Ri Bhoi district.
The district police raided Umshiaw village, which is located around 25 km away from Umsning outpost on the way to Mawhati road, and other places on Saturday morning.
The police arrested Augustine Nongbri of Kyrdemkulai (Umaning), Michael Syiemlieh of Lunnongrim (Umsning) and Laiman Tamuid of Umtham (Kyrdemkulai) for their alleged involvement in the Ronghona railway arson and the burning of the tea factory at Umsning on June 2.
Ri Bhoi SP Ramesh Singh said Nevarson Marbaniang of Pahamsyiem was also arrested for his involvement in the torching of the Sericulture office on June 14.
In addition, Moris Nongsiej alias Bahduh of Umtrew was arrested for the arson case where a heavy vehicle was set ablaze.
All the five men were remanded in five-day police custody and raids are on to arrest other arsonists. Police said the men have links with the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU).