SHILLONG: Police on Tuesday arrested 11 persons for violating curfew after they staged a protest in the city on Sunday while the Khasi Students’ Union and Hynniewtrep Youth Council voiced their displeasure over the punitive action.
They were booked under Section 188 IPC (violation of order promulgated by government).
They were among a group of people who staged the protest at Umkdait, Nongmynsong holding placards and banners alleging anomalies in the distribution of ration on Sunday.
A police official said that the gathering was a clear violation of the curfew as the district administration in an order had banned demonstration and gathering of more than five people in a public place.
Meanwhile, the Khasi Students Union Shillong Mihngi Circle on Tuesday urged the state government to release those arrested and also avoid making any further arrest.
In a statement issued here, president of KSU Shillong Mihngi Circle, Sonstar Nongkhlaw, said it was “disheartening” that the police arrested the residents of Umkdait who had come out to voice their complaints and seek help.
He said that though the lockdown is aimed to contain the spread of COVID-19 the poor residents are bearing its brunt as there are no economic activities.
Nongkhlaw said that the present crisis calls for discussion and consultation to bring about an understanding among all concerned.
He said the union is ready to offer its assistance to the state government, villages/localities and the residents.
The union said that the government should look into the matter and sort out the problems of the residents. Again, he said that the government should make necessary arrangements for the residents of Umkdait as done in other places.
The Hynniewtrep Youth Council Shillong City also condemned the arrests of Umkdait, Nongmynsong residents and questioned whether the people have lost their right to protest.
In a statement, president of HYC Shillong City, John Lyngdoh, said that the MLA and MDC should have instead helped the poor people.
He said that the people were compelled to come out to protest as they are struggling for survival for want of food.
