Shillong: The Khasi Students Union issued a 15-day ultimatum to the state government on Tuesday. They held a public meeting at the statue of U Kiang Nangbah in the East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner's premises. Authorities denied official permission, prompting a heavy police deployment to monitor the scene.
KSU president Streamly N Suchen outlined a five-point charter of demands. The group wants the July 31 public hearing for Shree Cement cancelled. They also insist on the implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act of 2016. Suchen claimed, "local residents have not benefited from cement companies operating in the region." He stated that empty job promises forced local youth to look for work elsewhere.
The meeting drew support from the Jaintia Students Movement and the FKJGP. Wanshwa Suting, general secretary of the Jaintia Students Union, accused authorities of using force to block NGOs and residents from entering the July 31 hearing. He also blasted the detention of JNC leaders. Michal Chyrmang, information secretary of the FKJGP, demanded the immediate suspension of both the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police. KSU leaders plan to hold similar events across the Khasi-Jaintia Hills.
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