Shillong, September 8: Leaders of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), along with residents of Shnongrim under Elaka Nongkhlieh, on Tuesday filed an FIR at the Crime Branch Police Station (CBPS) over alleged road damage, blockades and stone-pelting incidents linked to the public hearing held at Lumsyrmon on July 31, 2026.
KSU East Jaiñtia Hills District Unit president Streamly N. Suchen said vehicles travelling towards Lumsyrmon were allegedly targeted with stones, while roads were blocked and portions of the road were dug up to prevent people from reaching the public hearing venue.
KSU EJHDU general secretary K.S. Suchiang said the complaint specifically relates to the night of July 30, when vehicles heading towards Lumsyrmon were allegedly stopped and attacked with stones.
He questioned the police’s failure to arrest those allegedly involved, particularly in contrast to the arrest of five KSU leaders following the August 19 incidents in Shillong.
“KSU leaders were swiftly arrested despite the absence of sufficient evidence, while those who pelted vehicles with stones, blocked roads and damaged public property have not been arrested. The law must be applied equally to everyone,” Suchiang said.
The KSU delegation also met Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eastern Range, Sylvester Nongtnger, IPS, during the course of the complaint.
Suchiang said the union would not resort to taking the law into its own hands and would instead wait for the police to conduct a lawful and impartial investigation.
Residents demand action
Hanidabiang Sukhlain, a resident of Shnongrim, said villagers had initially refrained from filing an FIR because the incidents had already received extensive media coverage. However, following the arrest of KSU leaders, they decided to formally approach the police and seek equal treatment under the law.
She questioned why no arrests had been made in connection with the alleged digging up and damaging of the PWD road at Lad Tongseng.
According to Sukhlain, the damaged road significantly disrupted public movement and created particular difficulties for ambulances transporting patients requiring emergency medical attention.
She cited an incident involving an ambulance carrying a pregnant woman who was reportedly close to delivery and which encountered serious difficulty while passing through the damaged stretch.
Sukhlain said the incident highlighted the potentially serious consequences of damaging a public road, arguing that such acts could go beyond property damage and put human lives at risk.
The KSU and the residents have now urged the police to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action against all those found responsible, maintaining that the law must be applied equally and without discrimination.
