SHILLONG, OCT 5: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Monday flagged the deteriorating health of its leader Pynkmenlang Sanmiet, who has been in jail since August 19 over the KSU bike rally, and said the government will be held responsible if anything happens to him.
KSU Environmental Secretary Shiningstar Kharbihkhiew told reporters that Sanmiet, who suffers from chronic nose-bleeding, was admitted to Civil Hospital on July 11 and was advised surgery at Bethany Hospital in September.
“His surgery was scheduled for September, but he is still in detention and could not undergo it,” Kharbihkhiew said.
He said police took the vice president to civil hospital for check-ups on September 16 and again on October 3 after his blood pressure became unstable. Doctors at civil hospital had referred him to NEIGRIHMS for a detailed examination, but he preferred to continue treatment at Bethany Hospital.
Kharbihkhiew said Sanmiet’s academic career has also been hit. He is pursuing a PhD in Law at NEHU and has missed the mandatory monthly submissions for June and September.
The Union, he said, moved a bail application on October 6.
“We trust the court to take the best decision for our leaders,” he added.
Alleging that the crackdown was linked to KSU’s opposition to five issues, including the Shree Cement project, Kharbihkhiew questioned why no action has been taken against those who disrupted the public hearing.
“We gave an FIR at the Crime Branch against those who pelted stones, damaged roads and disrupted the public hearing. How is it that till now no one has been arrested?” he asked.
“The law seems to work only against the powerless. The government is trying to crush public rights by using force against the weak,” he said.
The KSU said it will go ahead with its agitation on the other issues.
