Shillong: A delegation from the Khasi Students’ Union met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday to advocate for critical policy changes in Meghalaya. Led by president Raymond Kharjana and general secretary Reuben A. Najiar, the group presented a memorandum addressing concerns regarding indigenous rights, interstate borders, and cultural preservation.
The union emphasized that the implementation of the Inner Line Permit is essential to manage migration and safeguard the identity of the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo communities. Najiar noted that current legal protections are insufficient to address the state's demographic challenges. Regarding the ongoing border dispute with Assam, the KSU requested federal intervention to resolve tensions in areas like Lapangap. Shah indicated that while the matter is largely for state governments to handle, the Centre remains prepared to intervene if protocols are breached.
On the status of the Khasi language, the delegation was informed that the government is considering a committee of retired Supreme Court judges to evaluate linguistic inclusion in the Eighth Schedule. Addressing the outcome of the discussions, Najiar stated, "Our responsibility is to place the concerns and aspirations of the people before the government. The decision to act on these demands ultimately rests with the state and central governments."
Ahead of the meeting, the KSU organized peaceful protests throughout Shillong to highlight these issues. Demonstrators also called for a halt to potential uranium mining and urged for faster recruitment of nurses at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences. The union pledged to continue its advocacy through public awareness campaigns as they await a formal review of their requests.
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