SHILLONG/JOWAI: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Central Executive Council has formally lodged a First Information Report (FIR) with the Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills District in Khliehriat, following a tense confrontation on November 7, 2026.
According to a statement issued by Shining Kharbihkhiew, Environment Secretary of the KSU Central Executive Council, the incident involved a group of eight to ten masked individuals armed with weapons such as daos, sticks, and slingshots who attempted to block and threaten local residents of Shnongrim and visiting union leaders.
The union’s delegation had visited Daistong and Shnongrim villages on November 7 to meet and consult with area residents regarding Shree Cement’s proposal to establish a cement plant in Daistong.
During the visit, leaders engaged with representatives from both villages to discuss community grievances concerning the proposed project and other local welfare issues.
The primary objective of the visit, as noted in the statement, was to consult, support, and encourage locals to remain steadfast in their opposition to the arrival of Shree Cement while an ongoing Fact Finding Committee investigation proceeds.
Accompanied by journalists to witness the proceedings in Daistong, the KSU held a brief public meeting that drew active participation from village elders, women, and youth to exchange views on the region’s current situation.
Following the gathering, the union and village leaders inspected the proposed cement plant site to evaluate ground conditions and check for any preparatory activities taking place while the Fact Finding Committee inquiry remains active.
During the site inspection, six to ten masked individuals abruptly confronted the group, attempting to block their path.
Armed with daos, sticks, and slingshots, these individuals attempted to assault a union member.
In response, union members acted in self-defense while attempting to de-escalate a tense standoff that drew significant media attention.
The armed individuals subsequently retreated toward a nearby police presence.
A central grievance raised by the union is that when leaders immediately reported the incident to police personnel deployed in the area, authorities allegedly failed to take necessary action or arrest the culprits despite explicit requests for assistance, instead permitting them to leave.
A subsequent phone call by the union’s General Secretary to the Superintendent of Police similarly yielded no tangible action.
Consequently, the union expressed deep concern and suspicion regarding the potential collusion between the police and elements opposing the KSU.
Adding to the union’s alarm, individuals identified as Miki Sukhlaiñ, Khreh Sukhlaiñ, and several other masked persons who had initially brandished weapons and blocked their path subsequently emerged with counter-claims of being assaulted.
Dismissing these assertions, the union stressed that a sharp distinction exists between the truth and deliberate distortions, pointing to circulating media videos as crucial evidence to establish the facts.
The KSU warned that such hostile episodes may be engineered by individuals linked to Shree Cement or its agents to provoke conflict and destabilize the union’s stand.
In light of these events, the union has demanded a thorough, impartial inquiry by competent authorities.
Concluding the statement, Kharbihkhiew conveyed a strict warning to all involved parties against attempting to provoke, pressure, or intimidate the union through coercive tactics.
The KSU affirmed its resolve to stand firm on its core principles, protect indigenous rights, and maintain solidarity with the residents of Daistong, Shnongrim, and surrounding villages, reiterating that future decisions for the region must stem purely from public will rather than external pressure.
(4FrontMedia news)
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