Shillong: The Special Investigation Team rounded up another Khasi Students’ Union leader on September 21. Eladwanmi Papang of the Shangpung unit was grabbed by police and taken to the Sadar Police Station. He faces court on Tuesday. Officials remain tight-lipped, but sources confirm the arrest and the seizure of his scooty.
Raids continue across West Jaintia Hills. Police are targeting the homes of district KSU leaders. The probe covers the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. This brings the total count of arrests related to the August 19 black-flag rally to seven.
KSU Shillong Mihngi Circle president Banjoplang Dkhar was picked up on September 11. He currently sits in 14-day judicial custody. Two petrol bombs struck the Laban Police Station hours later. Police stated, "Police have not indicated any link between the two incidents."
The dragnet began shortly after the August rally. Authorities previously jailed KSU Central Executive Council president Raymond Kharjana, vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet, and general secretary Reuben Najiar. Jeremaiah Pohthmi, the Nongmensong Unit president and assistant CEC general secretary, was apprehended on August 24.
Recent questioning sessions also ensnared others. On September 3, police grilled Samuel Kharbani and Celestine Ronghang regarding a temple protest in Mawkasiang. Ronghang walked free, but Kharbani was booked for the August 19 violence.
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