Shillong, Aug 20: Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has said the violence perpetrated during the KSU black-flag bike rally “cannot be tolerated”, but he reiterated that the government is ready for talks with KSU.
“The incident is very unfortunate and cannot be tolerated by the state government. I request the KSU, all other organizations and people of the state to maintain peace. If there is any issue, the door of the government is always open for talks,” Dhar told reporters on Thursday.
He said the government has taken note of KSU’s demands and will engage with them.
“We have seen their demands. Let them come for talks, we are ready. The Chief Minister and Wailadmiki Shylla yesterday also made it very clear that they are most welcome for talks. Let us see in a day or two,” he said.
On whether the government will invite the KSU, he said the matter will be taken up once the Chief Minister returns.
“The Chief Minister is not in station. Let him come, we will deal with it in the right manner. There is no question of delay in calling them for talks,” Dhar said.
He cautioned that every action has a reaction and urged students to respect the law.
On concerns about fallout in Assam, Dhar said both state governments are in communication.
“Both governments are already talking. Not at my level, but at the CM and Home level, they have discussed with their counterparts. Both Chief Ministers and Home Ministers are on the job, soon things will be normalized,” he said.
Dhar added that the KSU had given an undertaking to the Deputy Commissioner that the rally would be peaceful, and the government will examine how to tackle the matter.
Centre to rush forces
The Centre has decided to deploy additional central forces in Meghalaya after the law and order situation deteriorated in East Khasi Hills following violent protests in Shillong.
The Ministry of Home Affairs will provide four companies of CRPF and one company of Rapid Action Force (RAF) till August 25 to assist the state police, according to an MHA letter.
