KSU protest turns violent, failed to get public support

Shillong, Jun 07 (UNI) The Khasi Student's Union (KSU)-sponsored four-day and night road blockade in Meghalaya turned violent today with reports of hurling of petrol bomb and torching of a government vehicle here.

The blockade, which started from 2000 hours last evening, witnessed series of stone pelting, torching of a government vehicle and hurling of petrol bomb inside a state government office here.

However, no one was injured in the incidents.

Superintendent of Police M Kharkrang told UNI that the incidents were carried out by KSU activists after they failed to get public support their agitations.

He said a manhunt is on to nab the perpetrators.

The KSU has called for the four-day night road blockade in protest against the proposed public hearing on uranium mining at Nongbah Jynrin, West Khasi Hill on June 12.

The state government has decided to go ahead with the programme to allow local people to air their opinions on the issue of Uranium mining.

However, KSU leaders warned the government of more agitation if the hearing was not called off.

The district Administration of East Khasi Hills has made elaborate security arrangement to prevent any untoward incidents during the period.

Police teams were deployed in the sensitive areas and security had been tightened.

Meanwhile, police had released two members of Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM), who were arrested on suspicion for aiding the KSU leaders.

KHNAM, an ally of the Congress-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government, is the political front of KSU.

KHNAM general Secretary Erwin Sutnga had termed the arrest of his party colleagues as an act to suppress the democratic rights of the people to protest over any issue.

UNI