Shillong, Aug 31: Arrested Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) leaders were produced in the court on Monday, following addition of fresh sections in the case against them in connection with the August-19 violence in Shillong.
The KSU leaders were earlier remanded in 14-day judicial custody.
Speaking to reporters outside the court, KSU president Raymond Kharjana said “targeting” the Union’s leadership during agitations is a “recurring pattern” but that jail would not weaken the movement.
“Attempts to target the leaders of the organisation whenever such agitations take place happen from time to time,” he said, adding, “But one thing I want to make clear is that jail is a place that strengthens and ignites the spirit of the struggle for the greater cause of the land and the community.”
KSU general secretary Reuben Najiar said the Union will respond at an appropriate time.
“It doesn’t matter, they can implicate us now. This is their time, we will answer when we come out (of jail),” Najiar said.
The three leaders, including vice president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet, were arrested for their alleged involvement in the violence during the KSU’s black flag bike rally on August 19.
The incident left two vehicles torched, 31 vehicles damaged and 18 people assaulted.
