Kharkrang condemns assault at Sohra construction site, warns of economic impact
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 30: Former top cop M. Kharkrang has suggested that the Police department should strongly oppose any bail applications filed by those arrested in connection with the recent trespassing and assault at the construction site of the second Ri-Kynjai project by the Centrepoint Group at Laitkynsew village in Sohra.
Condemning the incident, Kharkrang, who is also the BJP spokesperson, said such acts would have serious repercussions at a time when Meghalaya is grappling with unemployment and striving to strengthen its economy.
He noted that the Centrepoint Group has consistently provided employment opportunities to local youths and argued that the state should support such enterprises.
“Such incidents will be detrimental to the development of the state,” Kharkrang said.
The incident occurred on Thursday when a group of around 15 youths, allegedly claiming to be from the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), entered the project site without permission and assaulted labourers working there. Five workers—Manish Sharma, Papu Sharma, Raj Kumar Sharma, Mitlis Kumar and Sorjo Bhumij—sustained injuries. One of them, Raj Kumar Sharma, was hospitalised with grievous head injuries.
While commending the police for arresting two suspects in connection with the case, Kharkrang stressed that private groups should not be allowed to assume the responsibility of checking documents as government agencies designated for that purpose already exist.
Pointing out that the attack was not an isolated incident, he urged those involved to reflect on the wider impact such actions could have on the state’s growth and development.
He further suggested that the police should ensure a watertight case against the accused and strongly oppose any bail applications.
“Such people should remain in custody for some time to send a clear message that you cannot simply do whatever you feel like,” Kharkrang added.
