Northeast Desk, 11th July: Late on July 10, Eric Nongkhlaw, President of the Khasi Students Union (KSU) Nongthymmai Circle, was apprehended in connection with the reported assault on labourers during checks for work permits. The arrest has sparked controversy and provoked criticism from within the organisation.
Reacting to the arrest, Richard Mawkhiew, Vice President of KSU Nongthymmai Circle, condemned the timing of the police action, questioning the rationale behind conducting the arrest during nighttime instead of daylight hours.
Despite Nongkhlaw’s arrest, Mawkhiew affirmed that KSU would persist in its practice of verifying work permits of labourers arriving from outside the state. He reiterated that the arrest would not deter their ongoing efforts.
Earlier, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma confirmed that four cases have been filed in connection with the alleged assault on the labourers. Sangma also asserted that the checks conducted by KSU are illegal under the law.
The arrest of Eric Nongkhlaw and the subsequent reactions from KSU leaders and the Chief Minister highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding labourer verification practices in Meghalaya, underscoring broader concerns about legality and due process in such activities.
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