Govt refuses to free 5 Khasi Students Union members

The police had arrested Ferdinand Wahlang, Antonio Warjri, Pyndaplang Lyngdoh Nonglait, Phyrnai and organising secretary Daniel Khyriem during the KSU-sponsored two-day bandh.

They were booked under the stringent Meghalaya Prevention and Detention Act MPDA and the students8217; body has now demanded their release. KSU deadline given to the Government to either release or face agitation expired on Saturday last.

KSU has called for a six-day night road blockade from Tuesday evening. The blockade would be operational from 7 pm to 5 am every day. Dhar told reporters that the arrest of the five student leaders was as per law and hard evidence but if the KSU felt it was unjustified it could approach the court. Three of the KSU detainees are at present undergoing treatment in a Government hospital in Shillong.

Dhar, however, said the district administration would seek medical reports of the three KSU members who were in hospital.

The three detainees alleged that they had been tortured by the police. Dhar on his part said, 8220;The three do not deserve to be in hospital but in jail.8221;

Dhar ruled out any review of the arrest of the five KSU members under the MPDA. He was emphatic in his decision refusing to entertain the KSU demands and said, 8220;Since they are in an agitating mood the administration would act as per rule of law.8221;