The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Wednesday night publicly apologised for the violence, vandalism and arson reported during its black-flag bike rally in Shillong, while asserting that the agitation over its five-point charter of demands would continue. In a significant decision, the student body said its proposed public rally and sit-in demonstration at Khyndailad on August 21 would no longer be open to the public and would instead be attended only by members of its Central Executive Council.
KSU General Secretary Reuben Najiar said the Union was “shaken” by the incidents, maintaining that its leaders were at the front of the rally and were unaware of the violence until videos began circulating on social media after the rally concluded. He said the KSU had conducted several peaceful public meetings across district headquarters and different locations in Shillong after seeking permission from the Dorbar Shnong and district administration, and had instructed participants and members to maintain peace during the bike rally. Najiar attributed the violence to “negative elements” who, he apprehended, may have joined the rally to divert the issue and tarnish the Union’s reputation. “We do not anticipate for such violence, and we do not promote any kind of violence in this regard,” he said. He said the KSU had expected 80 to 100 bikes or scooters but saw around 300, with participants from different sections of society, adding, “They might be instructed by someone to cause law and order problem, so that the reputation of the union will be tarnished.”
The KSU said its agitation would continue on August 21 but would be restricted to its Central Executive Council, with the proposed public rally and sit-in at Khyndailad no longer open to the public to prevent “negative elements” from joining and creating further law-and-order problems. “So, we have come to a conclusion that, On the 21st of August, the agitation will continue, but we will not make it open to the public. It will be only the members of the central executive Council who will be taking part in this agitation,” Najiar said. He maintained that the five demands were aimed at benefiting the people of Meghalaya, including issues concerning citizens’ security, job aspirants and transparency, and said the Union would not allow the violence to derail its campaign. Extending an apology to the public, he said, “you may be angry with us, we accept that and we sincerely extend our apologies, but please remember five demands and the issues that the union have brought up because these issues are of prime importance.”
KSU Apologises for Violence, Restricts August 21 Agitation
