Meghalaya Police Arrest KSU Unit Chief Over August 19 Violence

Guwahati, August 24 - The Meghalaya Police have apprehended Jeremaiah Pohthmi, the president of the KSU Nongmynsong Unit, in relation to the unrest that erupted following the Khasi Students Union's 'Black Flags Bike Rally' on August 19. This arrest brings the total number of KSU members and leaders held in the case to four. Pohthmi, who also serves as the Assistant Organising Secretary of the union's Central Executive Council, is accused of inciting violence and causing physical harm during the disturbances.

East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed Pohthmi's involvement and stated that he is set to be brought before the court for questioning.

Additional KSU leaders Raymond Kharjana, Pynkmen Sanmiet, and Reuben A. Najiar, who were also arrested after the rally, are currently detained in various locations in Garo Hills and are awaiting transfer back to Shillong to aid the investigation. A Special Investigation Team, led by the Inspector General (Law and Order), has been established to expedite the investigation and identify those responsible for the violence.

Forensic and technical methods are being employed to identify individuals who covered their faces during the unrest, with legal action to follow against those identified. Central paramilitary forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force and the Rapid Action Police Force, are stationed in vulnerable areas of Shillong until the end of the month to maintain order.