Shillong, Nov 9: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has lodged an FIR against an armed group of masked men, who allegedly tried to attack a KSU team and villagers carrying out an “inspection” at the proposed Shree Cement plant site at Daistong in East Jaintia Hills district.
While the group “armed with dao, sticks and iron rods” allegedly threatened the KSU leader and villagers of Shnongrim, the police present at the spot let the “attackers” walk away, according to KSU.
The KSU leaders visited Daistong and Shnongrim to note the villagers’ concern over the proposed cement plant on November 7.
“However, while the Union and the residents were going for the inspection, suddenly around 6 to 10 persons with covered faces appeared and tried to block the Union and the residents from proceeding,” the KSU said in a statement issued by its Environment Secretary Shining Kharbihkhiew on Monday.
“These persons also brought out dangerous weapons, including dao, sticks and iron rods, and also tried to attack one of the members of the Union,” it added.
The KSU said its members were forced to defend themselves while its leaders tried to calm the situation.
The KSU alleged that the police personnel present at the site did not act on the complaints against the group, and allowed them to leave.
The KSU also rejected counter-allegations that its members had assaulted the other group.
“Miki Sukhlaiñ, Khreh Sukhlaiñ and some other persons with covered faces, who had brought out dangerous weapons and tried to block the way, have now come forward and alleged that they were assaulted,” it said.
The KSU claimed video evidence in support of its claim and demanded for an investigation into the incident.
It also warned against provoking the organisation with “dirty tactics” and reiterated its stand with the local residents.
