Lapang orders uncondtional release to KSU, Women protestors arrested

Shillong, July 3 (UNI) Hours after women protestors took to the streets, the Meghalaya government today ordered "unconditional" release of all jailed Khasi Student's Union (KSU) activists, who were arrested for opposing uranium mining in the state.

The Congress-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government's decision came after the members of Mother's Union under the banner of Ka Synjuk Ki Seng Longkmie(SKSL) launched courted arrest agitation outside the state secretariat demanding the unconditional release of all arrested KSU members.

Last month, the government had arrested 17 KSU activists, and booked them under Meghalaya Preventive Detention Act (MPDA) and non-bailable cases for various acts of sabotage during their agitation against uranium mining in West Khasi Hills district.

Chief Minister D D Lapang told a newsconference after a cabinet meeting that the all KSU activists would be released "unconditionally".

"There are provisions under the MPDA to release those arrested under the Act without going trough the procedures," Mr Lapang said.

He said the government would also issue directive to the authorities to expedite the release.

However, East Khasi Hills District Deputy Commissioner B Dhar said that the arrested KSU activists cannot be release unless they moved a bail application and also submit a representation to the government to those booked under the MPDA.

UNI