Shillong: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) formally rejected a government invitation for dialogue regarding the controversial Umling food court project. KSU general secretary Reuben A. Najiar confirmed the union wants the plan abandoned entirely. They refuse to hear government excuses. The group demands the state stop wasting their time.
Najiar argued the land must serve as a full-fledged facilitation center for travelers, students, tourists, and staff. A 2019 Detailed Project Report (DPR) originally earmarked 90 percent of the site for this purpose. The union claims officials shifted those plans to favor a massive food court. "We reject any invitation from the state government for a dialogue on the proposed food court at Umling. We do not want to listen to any justification, nor do we want the government to waste our time. The idea of setting up a food court should be totally abandoned," Najiar stated.
KSU leaders discovered the conversion after reviewing a fresh DPR. They rejected a subsequent proposal offering only two small rooms for public services. The union wants multiple service counters, adequate parking, and offices for Home, Immigration, and Labour departments. They also questioned why control of the land shifted from the Transport Department to the Tourism Department.
The union officially opposes leasing the site to private parties. They filed an RTI application to track official records. KSU officials remain willing to conduct a joint site inspection, provided the state adheres to the original 2019 specifications. They insist a small cafeteria is acceptable, but only if the primary function remains a public service hub.
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