Shillong, Jan 4: A demand has been made by the Khasi Students Union for the establishment of a check gate in either Mawkdok or Umtyngar of Sohra region to keep a tab on the entry of visitors, both local and non local, following two incidents of assault that took place on January 1st and 2nd in the picturesque location of Dainthlen, Sohra, a famous area frequented by picnickers.

On January 1st,  four KSU members were assaulted, while another youth from Umphyrnai was critically injured in another incident.

Following the attacks, the KSU South Khasi Hills circle led by its president Reebokstar Diengdoh met the SDO of Sohra (Civil) Sub-Division to raise a concern about the attacks.

Speaking to a section of the press on Monday, Diengdoh said the FIR filed by the assaulted KSU members alleged that there were 8 non-tribals involved in the attack.

The alleged miscreants were later identified to be from Laban, Shillong.

Diengdoh said that the OC of Sohra informed them that six of the miscreants have been arrested and are now in judicial custody.

The KSU leader said that the assault cases should be viewed seriously by the authorities and demanded the setting up of check gates.

“In a recent meeting, we had urged to set up a check gate in Mawkdok or Umtyngar to check only tourists’ vehicles. The check gates have not been set up yet so now we are giving it in writing. We do not oppose the arrival of tourists but our intention is that if check gates are in place, it will be helpful in case any untoward incident occurs in Sohra to ensure that miscreants are traceable in case of any untoward incident”, he said.

Stating that the miscreants have not been traced with regard to the incident that took place on January 2, Diengdoh said that besides the setting up of check gates, number plate of vehicles that make their way to Sohra should be noted down and names of drivers should be taken as well as the number of persons in each vehicle.

To ensure peace and harmony, he said that the twin incidents should be monitored seriously as there may be local Khasis who may vent their ire and take advantage of the situation which will, in turn, affect the tourism prospect of Sohra wherein 60-70 percent of the population depend
on tourism.

The SDO has reportedly assured the union members that he will take up the matter with the higher authorities.