Shillong, August 20: The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC), Central Executive Committee, under the leadership of its President, Bah Sambormi Lyngdoh, strongly condemns the police raid on the office of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) and the arrest of its leaders, including the President, General Secretary and Vice-President, following the events connected with the KSU bike rally yesterday evening.
While condemning the actions of the police, the JNC does not justify or endorse any incident of violence, disorder or unrest that may have occurred during the rally. As social and youth organisations, all forms of democratic protest must remain peaceful.
The disturbances that arose are unfortunate, particularly as they have the potential to create misunderstanding and tension between the people of Assam and Meghalaya. The JNC does not support violence or any form of public disorder.
However, the JNC is deeply disturbed by the manner in which KSU leaders were arrested without a proper and transparent investigation. Numerous agitations and incidents of unrest have occurred in different places in the past, yet it is highly unusual for the offices of student organisations to be raided and their top leaders immediately arrested. This raises serious suspicions that there may be motives or instructions operating behind the scenes.
The purpose of any democratic agitation is to make the voice and concerns of the people heard by the Government. The JNC has never welcomed violence, disorder or instability. Therefore, we question why the KSU leaders were arrested directly without first conducting an impartial investigation.
The JNC also wishes to draw attention to the developments following the entry of Shree Cement in East Jaiñtia Hills. Rather than bringing unity, the company’s activities have created controversy, division and tension among communities. The issue has reportedly divided the Elaka Nongkhlieh and caused differences between the Elaka Sutnga and Elaka Nongkhlieh.
During the public hearings held on the (30)th and (31)st, the JNC witnessed what it considers an excessive use of power through the police department. While we cannot hold individual police personnel solely responsible, as they function under the authority and direction of the Government, it is clear that police officers cannot undertake such actions without instructions from higher authorities. On the (30)th, JNC leaders were arrested, and vehicles and people attempting to attend the public hearing were allegedly attacked with stones.
The JNC also takes note of the statement made yesterday by the Secretary and Dolloi of Elaka Nongkhlieh, who claimed that both supporters and opponents had been called to the public hearing. We ask, who were these persons with the authority to call people? Was it the Elaka that was conducting the public hearing? Such statements raise further questions regarding the manner in which the process was handled and the confidence with which certain persons have made these declarations.
Similarly, the arrest of KSU leaders appears to indicate that there may be external influence or pressure behind the action. The JNC fears that this is part of a wider strategy to weaken, suppress and silence the voices of the indigenous people of the State. The JNC strongly suspects that those responsible for creating disorder during yesterday’s rally may not have been KSU members. If there was no ulterior motive, why did the Government proceed directly to arrest the organisation’s top leaders?
The JNC further expresses serious concern over the conduct of the NPP-led Government. We question the extent to which the Government, particularly Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, is prioritising political interests and the growth of his party over the rights, land and concerns of indigenous communities.
The JNC strongly suspects that Shree Cement may have significant influence over the ruling party, and that this may be one reason why State power is being used through the police to suppress the voice of the indigenous people.
The JNC sends a clear message to the Government: you were elected by the people, and your term is only for five years. Remember that it is the people who raise leaders to power, and it is the people who can remove them.
You may arrest us and attempt to intimidate us, but you cannot destroy our spirit of resistance or our love for our land and people. This spirit has been passed down to us by our forefathers and freedom fighters, including U Syiem Tirot Sing, U Kiang Nangbah and many others.
The deadline previously given by the JNC to the Government will expire on the 23rd of this month. Thereafter, the JNC Central Executive Committee will convene to deliberate and decide on further lawful democratic actions concerning this matter.
Finally, the JNC appeals to the people of Hynñiewtrep to think deeply about the actions of the Government. The time has come for every citizen to reflect on whether they will remain silent spectators or stand up to defend the rights, land and future of our people.
