Shillong, June 02: Two KSU members were arrested today in connection with a recent arson incident even as the state government maintained that it was ready to talk to the protesting group provided they refrained from ‘acts of vandalism.’
The arrested members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) have been identified as Sabir Jyrwa (31) and Phrang Warjri (26).
According to police, they were taken into custody for their alleged involvement in hurling a petrol bomb on a police requisition bus bearing the registration number ML 05-P- 8518 at Lailad, Nongmensong on Wednesday night.
Altogether, seven KSU activists including five from Ri Bhoi District have been arrested by police.
Series of petrol bomb attacks have been reported following the protest against the ongoing construction of railway line in Ri Bhoi District.
Speaking to reporters today, Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh said the government can consider inviting the protesting group for talks but provided they shun violence.
“We are willing to negotiate but violence and acts of vandalism must end,” Lyngdoh said while informing that KSU leaders had yesterday sought an appointment with him to discuss on the issue.
The state home minister however maintained that the state government cannot interfere with matters relating to the Court with regards to the demand of the KSU to release all the arrested members.
When asked, Lyngdoh said that the state government has nothing to say on the railway project, since it is the Centre that implemented the project, though he said that the state would take up the matter with the concern authority.