Dy CM urges students to let ‘law take its own course’
Shillong, Apr 29: Police forces were withdrawn from the campus of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) where tension prevailed over arrest of a student leader on charges of assault on a teacher recently.
“We have already withdrawn police forces last night after taking stock of the situation and after discussion with the in-charge of NEHU campus,” deputy chief minister in-charge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong told reporters on Tuesday.
The NEHU Students Union (NEHUSU) announced indefinite suspension of classes in protest against deployment of armed police in the campus “without taking consent of the university authorities”.
The forces were deployed in NEHU campus in apprehension of untoward incidents due to the arrest of NEHUSU president Sandy Sohtun over his alleged assault on a Hindi teacher Dr Alok Singh in the latter’s chamber recently.
NEHUSU termed the deployment of armed police as “unprecedented” and organised a protest rally and signature campaign against the arrest demanded withdrawal of the forces.
On the criticism that forces were deployed without taking consent of university authorities, teh deputy chief minister, however, defended the decision and said police don’t need permission to enter any such institution under the given circumstances.
“It is not necessary to seek permission in case the situation arises… we have to take care of the situation… government is concerned about safety and security of everyone, especially the students and the teachers…,” he said.
Meanwhile, the deputy chief minister urged the student community to allow the investigation into the recent assault incident on a teacher be completed.
After the investigation, they are free to go to the court, which will also take a call on granting bail, he said.
Urging the students to refrain from taking the law into their hands, Tynsong pointed out the FIR that clearly mentioned about the incident of assault on the teacher.
He underscored the need for everyone – be a lecturer or a faculty from outside or someone doing business or other office jobs – remain safe in Meghalaya.
“Allow the law to take its own course and once investigation is completed, the court will take over,” he added.
