Shillong: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has issued a 20-point ultimatum to the Meghalaya government, making future support for infrastructure projects like railways contingent on the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP). In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, the union argued that these measures are essential to protect the state’s identity and resources.
The union plans to block railway and uranium-related projects until the ILP is in place, while calling for the full operation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act as an immediate stopgap. Beyond identity protections, the KSU is seeking to amend the Constitutional Order of 1950 to restrict state benefits exclusively to indigenous tribes by removing other Scheduled Tribes from the list.
Administrative reform is another pillar of the charter, with demands for the restructuring of the Meghalaya Public Service Commission and District Selection Committees. The union proposed abolishing personal interviews for various government posts to increase transparency and requiring all civil servants to declare their assets annually.
The KSU further called for resolving inter-state border disputes, implementing a Land Ceiling Act, and including the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Additional demands cover the establishment of rehabilitation centers, local hiring policies for private firms, and increased support for the agricultural sector.
The KSU stated that these demands are "non-negotiable," noting that the issues raised have a direct bearing on the survival and economic welfare of the people of Meghalaya. The government faces pressure to act swiftly on these reforms to prevent potential public agitation.
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