Shillong, Aug 20: Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah MDC and Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council Chairman Strong Pillar Kharjana has praised Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar for promptly stepping in to the standoff between police and members of the KSU at Jaiaw late Wednesday night.
He said the timely intervention helped prevent the situation from escalating further.
Police moved to the KSU office in Jaïaw to arrest its leaders, leading to a tense confrontation between the police and KSU members.
Police later resorted to tear gas during the standoff, with reports of damage to houses in the vicinity of the KSU office.
The situation was further intensified when the Seng Samla Jaiaw Pyllun intervened and reportedly pushed the police away from the area, preventing them from continuing the operation.
Kharjana said he contacted the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister directly as the situation unfolded. According to him, their immediate response helped contain the situation and prevented it from developing into something more serious.
The MDC credited the swift intervention of the state leadership with helping restore calm in the area.
Later, city police arrested three top leaders of the KSU near City Hut Dhaba, Khyndailad.
