Shillong, Aug 21: The state youth wing of the United Democratic Party (UDP) has demanded for immediate release of the arrested KSU leaders and call the students’ body for talks to restore peace in the state.
In a statement, the UDP youth wing condemned the violence during the KSU’s black flag bike rally on August 19, but also strongly criticised the police action on the KSU office.
“The UDP State Youth Wing expresses sorrow over the incident on the day of the KSU rally and strongly condemns the opportunists who violated human rights,” the wing said.
It said police should have provided security during the rally as is done for other rallies.
“However, what is more hurtful is the manner in which police forcibly stormed the KSU central office by firing tear gas and forcibly entering after arresting the leaders, especially when the office is located among residential houses and near a hospital,” it said.
The youth wing, headed by Chief Youth Organiser Auguster Jyrwa and Joint Secretary Desmond KL Mawlong, noted that the KSU leadership has already clarified that they do not endorse the violence and have offered to cooperate with the district administration and police to identify those involved.
“In view of this, we do not feel the decision to jail the leaders in Tura and Williamnagar is appropriate,” it said.
Questioning the government’s intent, the wing said, “The duty of the government is to bring peace, but they are adding fuel to the fire by acting like this. Is the government deliberately trying to cover up the demands of the KSU?”
“Therefore, the UDP state youth wing urges the government to immediately call the students for talks after finding ways to release the leaders, so that everything proceeds smoothly and peace and tranquility is restored in the state,” it added.
The wing also flagged the blocking of Meghalaya vehicles at Jorabat and threats to drive out Meghalaya students from Assam.
“The blocking of Meghalaya vehicles at Jorabat has affected movement of the public, and the threat to drive out Meghalaya students from Assam will create problems if the government does not take the situation seriously,” the statement said.
