SHILLONG: East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem has confirmed the arrest of Jeremaiah Pohthmi, President of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Nongmynsong Unit and Assistant Organising Secretary of the KSU Central Executive Council.
Pohthmi was detained on August 24 for his alleged involvement in inciting unrest and causing injuries during the violence that followed the KSU’s ‘Black Flags Bike Rally’ on August 19.
Police are preparing to produce him in court to seek custody.
With this latest arrest, four KSU leaders and members are now in custody in connection with the recent violence.
The other three—KSU CEC President Raymond Kharjana, Vice President Pynkmen Sanmiet, and General Secretary Reuben A. Najiar—were initially detained on August 19.
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SP Syiem stated that the three senior leaders, currently held in Garo Hills (Baghmara, Williamnagar, and Tura), will be transferred back to Shillong pending police headquarters’ approval, to facilitate a more streamlined investigation.
He warned that further arrests will follow if ongoing inquiries implicate additional individuals.
To strengthen law and order, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Inspector General (Law and Order) has been set up to identify and arrest all those involved and ensure timely chargesheeting.
Syiem acknowledged the challenges in identifying masked culprits but assured that specific techniques are being used.
In the meantime, district police have requisitioned CRPF and RAPF units to be deployed throughout Shillong until the end of August to maintain stability.
(4FrontMedia news)
