Shillong, Aug 20: Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah MDC and Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chairman Strong Pillar Kharjana has lauded Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar for their swift response to the standoff between police and members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) at Jaiaw late Wednesday night.
Kharjana said the prompt intervention by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister helped prevent the situation from escalating further.
The standoff reportedly followed the KSU’s bike rally, which turned violent earlier on Wednesday. Police subsequently moved to the KSU office in Jaïaw to arrest its leaders, leading to a tense confrontation between the police and KSU members.
Police later resorted to tear gas during the standoff, with reports of damage to houses in the vicinity of the KSU office.
The situation was further intensified when the Seng Samla Jaiaw Pyllun intervened and reportedly pushed the police away from the area, preventing them from continuing the operation.
Kharjana said he contacted the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister directly as the situation unfolded. According to him, their immediate response helped contain the situation and prevented it from developing into something more serious.
The MDC credited the swift intervention of the state leadership with helping restore calm in the area.
Later, city police arrested three top leaders of the KSU near City Hut Dhaba, Khyndailad.
KSU president Raymond Kharjana, vice president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet and general secretary Reuben Najiar were taken into custody and produced in the Shillong District and Session Court early Thursday morning.
 Chairman Strong Pillar Kharjana has lauded Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar for their swift response to the standoff between police and members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) at Jaiaw late Wednesday night.){kind=link}