SHILLONG: East Khasi Hills SP M. Kharkrang has justified the night raids at Lawsohtun to arrest the youths involved in rioting at Civil Hospital junction during the November 5 rally sponsored by Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Bri Hynniewtrep (SNSBH), the umbrella body of headmen, by stating that the suspects were not available during the day.
The police chief also made it clear that there were evidences regarding their (youths arrested from Lawsohtun) involvement in the act.
Earlier, the Seng Kynthei, Seng Samla of Lawsohtun, KSU unit and the residents had expressed their resentment over the random arrests made by police in the middle of the night which, according to them has led others (to live in fear.
They also wanted the police to stop the random arrests and asked SNSBH and the Dorbar Shnong of Lawsohtun to take responsibility for any further arrest.
However, reacting to this, the SP said, the suspicious persons are usually not at home during the day and on receiving information, the police conducted the raids at night to arrest the people involved”.
According to SP, the raids were conducted as per the provisions of law.
“There is nothing illegal in our action, we will continue with the arrests,” Kharkrang said.
He added that other parts of the city will also be raided and subsequently arrests of those involved will follow.
Earlier, the residents and pressure groups from Lawsohtun had blamed SNSBH) and the Dorbar Shnong of Lawsohtun for the police action since it was due to their call that the youths had participated in the rally.
