Meghalaya: Khasi, Jaintia Hills On High Alert After Cops Arrest KSU Members Over Murder Of 2

Two KSU members were arrested for their alleged involvement in the murder of two persons which led to a volatile situation in Khasi and Jaintia hills.

The Khasi and Jaintia hills in Meghalaya were put on high alert after a volatile situation broke out over the murder of two persons. Last week, two persons were found murdered in East Khasi Hills district near the India-Bangladesh international boundary. The incident occurred after the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) protested against CAA in the border town, an official told news agency PTI on Wednesday. 

On April 2, two of the KSU members were picked up from their homes in Sohra town. They were later arrested for their alleged involvement in the murder of the two persons, SP Rituraj Ravi stated. 

Following their arrest, a large crowd led by the KSU gathered in front of the local police station on Wednesday to stage a protest against the police action. The agitated KSU members demanded that their cadre cannot be hunted like militants.

Petrol Bomb Lobbed At Mawlai Police Station In Shillong

In another incident, unidentified persons lobbed a petrol bomb at Mawlai police station in Shillong, leaving the police vehicle destroyed. However, no arrests have been made in relation to this matter, PTI reported citing SP Ravi.

Following the incident, Deputy Inspector General of Police DNR Marak issued an alert to the SPs of seven districts in the eastern range, including state capital Shillong.

Marak in an order also stated that there was a high likelihood that the NGOs may resort to more agitations. He added that the NGOs might also target government properties or buildings and vehicles, police stations or police vehicles, and non-tribals, PTI reported.

The senior police official also stated that the KSU is observing April 4 as 'Khasi Awakening Day.' The KSU had plans to observe the day at Khliehriat in East Jaintia Hills district, for which they have been denied permission.

Marak has also directed the SPs to take precautionary measures including advising deputy commissioners to issue prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC. "NGOs may resort to impromptu agitation on Thursday in any of the district headquarters," PTI quoted Marak saying. 

"You are therefore directed to take all necessary precautions to prevent criminal elements from taking advantage of the day and the recent incidents whereby they may attempt to target government installations and non-tribals under your jurisdiction," the DIG stated in his order, cautioning the police to stay aware amid the tensed situation.