Shillong, November 7: Leaders and members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), led by its president Raymond Kharjana, were allegedly confronted and threatened by a group of machete-wielding men while returning to Shillong from Daistong village in East Jaintia Hills district on Saturday.
The KSU delegation had visited Daistong to interact with local residents and understand their concerns regarding the proposed cement manufacturing plant by M/s Shree Cement Limited.
According to the union, an argument broke out when approximately four men, allegedly armed with machetes, confronted the KSU leaders and members and questioned why they had visited the village without informing them. The union claimed that the men were supporters of the proposed Shree Cement project.
During the confrontation, the four men reportedly fled towards a nearby forest from an area where police personnel were stationed.
The alleged threats, coupled with the fact that the men reportedly escaped from the vicinity of the police camp, angered the KSU leaders and members.
Reacting to the incident, KSU president Raymond Kharjana alleged that the machete-wielding men were acting like “mafias” attempting to prevent people from learning the truth about the proposed cement project.
He condemned the alleged intimidation and questioned the circumstances under which the men were able to flee despite the presence of police personnel in the area.
Kharjana further claimed that during the visit, the union found equipment belonging to M/s Shree Cement Limited still lying at Daistong village under police protection.
He said the presence of the company’s equipment at the site had raised doubts about whether Shree Cement Limited intended to abandon its proposed cement manufacturing plant.
The KSU president maintained that the union’s visit was intended to understand the concerns of the villagers and gather information about the proposed project.
Following the incident, the KSU delegation reached Khliehriat at approximately 7 pm and proceeded directly to the office of the Superintendent of Police, East Jaintia Hills, to lodge a First Information Report (FIR) against the alleged attackers.
However, the KSU leaders expressed surprise upon finding the Superintendent of Police’s office completely dark when they arrived.
The delegation subsequently managed to meet Additional Superintendent of Police D. Moksha regarding the incident.
Speaking to reporters, KSU General Secretary Reuben A. Najiar said the union would formally submit its complaint to the Superintendent of Police through email by Monday, November 9, 2026.
The alleged confrontation comes amid continuing controversy over the proposed Shree Cement manufacturing plant in Daistong, which has drawn opposition and concerns from sections of the local population.
The KSU has been actively raising issues relating to the proposed project, including concerns expressed by residents of the affected area.
The union is expected to seek police action against those allegedly involved in threatening its leaders and members during the visit.
There was no immediate information regarding any arrests in connection with the alleged incident.
