Shillong, October 5: North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum has demanded an independent Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the police operation carried out in Jaiaw on August 19, 2026, raising concerns over the alleged use of tear gas in a residential area and the conduct of personnel involved.

Nongrum made the demand after meeting Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home, Prestone Tynsong, on Monday, accompanied by five local Dorbar Shnong headmen from Jaiaw. The delegation submitted a memorandum highlighting grievances arising from the late-night operation, during which three Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) leaders were arrested.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Nongrum said the memorandum was supported by a technical and legal brief and sought an independent investigation into the incident, along with the preservation of evidence.

He said the issue was not limited to the arrests but also concerned the manner in which the operation was conducted in a densely populated residential locality and its alleged impact on residents who were not involved.

According to Nongrum, residents who were asleep in their homes were distressed after tear gas was allegedly used in the area. He claimed that some people experienced breathing difficulties and other distress.

Nongrum said he reached the affected area at around 1 a.m. and witnessed residents facing difficulties following the alleged use of tear gas. He questioned who would be responsible if residents later developed health complications linked to the exposure.

The MLA said he was relieved that no life was lost during the operation but maintained that the alleged impact on residents could not be overlooked.

Questions over SIT investigation

Nongrum welcomed the Government’s decision to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) but questioned whether a state-level investigation would be sufficient to examine allegations involving police personnel.

“Who will police the police?” he asked.

He said an independent investigation was necessary to establish accountability and provide confidence to residents that their grievances would be examined impartially.

Nongrum said his demand for a CBI inquiry was based on concerns over accountability and his lack of confidence in another state-level investigation.

He also specifically sought the preservation of evidence connected with the operation.

Allegations over masked personnel

Nongrum further alleged that some personnel involved in the operation wore masks and did not display nameplates, making it difficult for residents to identify them or determine the units to which they belonged.

He questioned how accountability could be established if residents were unable to identify the personnel involved.

The MLA said police personnel must follow professional procedures while dealing with sensitive situations, particularly in densely populated residential areas where operations can affect uninvolved residents.

Refers to 2018 disturbances

Nongrum also referred to the disturbances in 2018, alleging that the use of tear gas in congested residential areas had affected innocent residents at the time.

He claimed that some residents suffered lasting consequences and that their grievances had not received adequate attention or compensation.

Nongrum said his experience of the earlier incidents was one of the reasons he was seeking an independent investigation into the August 19 operation.

NHRC, MHRC approached

Nongrum said communications had also been prepared for the Chief Secretary, the Additional Chief Secretary in charge of Home, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC), seeking their intervention.

He said the memorandum was intended to formally place the residents’ grievances on record and seek appropriate action.

Tynsong assures corrective measures

According to Nongrum, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong assured the delegation that corrective measures would be taken within the Police Department.

However, the MLA reiterated that departmental action should be accompanied by an independent CBI investigation into the allegations.

The allegations regarding tear gas use, masked personnel and the impact on residents are based on statements made by Nongrum. The material available does not include a detailed police response to these specific allegations or confirmation that a CBI inquiry has been approved.