From Our Correspondent
MAWKYRWAT, Aug 7: Two Khasi villagers were allegedly beaten by members of the All Khasi Hills Achik Federation (AKHAF).
According to an FIR lodged at Nonghyllam Police Station, South West Khasi Hills District, the incident occurred on July 4, around 2 am at Lad Bagli, when the duo, both hailing from Nongprut and Nongkyna villages in West Khasi Hills, was returning after dropping off people in the area.
Speaking to media persons, both claimed that after reaching Lad Bagli, a group of people chased them with a vehicle (ML123708) and subsequently intercepted them by introducing themselves as members of AKHAF.
“They started demanded money from us, but since we did not have money, the group, led by one Vikesh D. Marak from Bakli-Khonjoy, started to beat us and later took us to one jungle where they threatened and harassed us, and let go of us only until daybreak. They also released us with a warning that if we come back to this area, they will burn us down along with the vehicle,” the duo said.
Meanwhile, Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), South West Khasi Hills, while condemned the incident, warned AKHAF to cease their harassment or face consequences.
Speaking to media persons here, KSU Ranikor Circle president Marconi Thongni also accused the AKHAF of operating an illegal check-gate at Lad Bagli for two years and extorting money from travellers.
Thongni also informed that the KSU had called on South West Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, GD Kharwanlang, in this regard, and demanded immediate action against the culprits and the removal of the check gate.
However, while speaking to The Shillong Times, Kharwanlang downplayed the incident, attributing it to drunkenness on both sides and claimed there was no check-gate in the area during his recent visit.
