Guwahati: Three senior Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) leaders arrested after disturbances during the group’s motorcycle rally have been moved from Shillong to jails in other parts of Meghalaya, as security was strengthened following the incidents.
KSU president Raymond Kharjana has reportedly been sent to Williamnagar District Jail in East Garo Hills. The union’s vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben Najiar have been taken to Tura District Jail in West Garo Hills.
The three were arrested on August 19, after the KSU’s black-flag motorcycle rally in Shillong saw stone-pelting, alleged assaults and vehicle damage. On August 20, a court ordered that they remain in judicial custody for 14 days.
The transfers took place after the East Khasi Hills administration imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, before another KSU protest programme scheduled in the district.
Security forces have been positioned at the proposed protest sites, while police have stepped up patrols in Shillong. The restrictions have been imposed to regulate gatherings and maintain public order amid the situation.
The incidents on August 19 affected several parts of Shillong. Police reported damage to at least 31 vehicles and alleged assaults on people. Some vehicles from outside Meghalaya were also targeted, and a government vehicle was reportedly set on fire.
The three KSU leaders have been charged under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, over the alleged attacks and damage to public property.
The KSU organised the rally to seek a response to its five-point charter submitted to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on August 4. The union had given the government 15 days to respond.
The demands include implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, legislation on migrant workers, changes to recruitment procedures, action on recruitment-related matters at NEIGRIHMS, cancellation of the July 31 public hearing on the proposed Shree Cement project in East Jaintia Hills, and an Inner Line Permit system in Meghalaya.
Police said the rally violated the conditions of permission. The KSU leadership later expressed regret but alleged that unidentified individuals had joined the rally to cause trouble and harm the union’s reputation.
Police searched the KSU office in Jaiaw on Wednesday night, with tear gas reportedly used during the operation.
The transfer of the three leaders to jails outside Shillong has increased concerns in Meghalaya, while authorities prepare for possible protests and further clashes.