KSU visits Kalakhal after attack on Khasi villagers in Assam

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 22, 2025

The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), under the leadership of president Lambokstarwell Marngar and general secretary Donald V. Thabah, visited Kalakhal Khasi Punji in Cachar district, Assam, on Thursday to express solidarity with Khasi-Pnar residents following a violent attack last week.

On August 15, a group of 25–30 men, reportedly from the Muslim Mia community, allegedly attacked Khasi villagers at a betel leaf plantation in Kalakhal. According to an FIR lodged at Kachudaram Police Station by Sibil Suchiang, wife of victim Raju Kasar, her husband along with villagers Bikas Syngkor, Adison Kasar, Annias Rasmut, Wiki Pohom, and Starly Lamin had gone to their plantation around 9–10 am when the attackers encroached on the land and demanded they vacate immediately.

The group, which included identified individuals such as Salim, Loti, Kalamia, Nur, Mintu, Abimulla, Abdulrehman, Rosit Ali, Kalu Mia, Sahid Ahmed Mazumdar, Bablu, Sharul, Lekai, Amir San, and Alta Hussain Loskor, allegedly used daos, sharp weapons, and locally made firearms to threaten the villagers. In the clash, Raju Kasar and Bikas Syngkor sustained serious injuries and are undergoing treatment at Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH).

The FIR further alleged that the accused have been involved in multiple criminal activities, including theft, drug and timber smuggling, and distribution of yaba tablets and ganja. They also allegedly threatened to burn Kalakhal Part-I Khasi village and target school-going girls with abduction and sexual assault, creating fear among the local community.

During Thursday’s visit, the KSU delegation—which included members of the Central Executive Council, leaders of the West and East Jaintia Hills district units, and members of the Barak Valley Circle—met with the villagers, offering moral support and assuring them that the Union will continue to stand by them even though they reside outside Meghalaya.

Villagers of Kalakhal and neighbouring Khasi settlements expressed relief at the KSU’s visit, saying the organisation has consistently stood by them over the years. A local elder said, “Only the KSU regularly visits us. This time their presence means even more because we have just faced a grave attack. We feel stronger knowing they are with us.”

The KSU reaffirmed its commitment to defend the rights and safety of Khasi-Pnar people living in Assam, stressing that the community will not be left to face such challenges alone.