Shillong: The Khasi Students’ Union is taking its fight to the streets of Shillong. After hitting district headquarters across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, the group set a two-day schedule for public meetings on August 17 and 18. They want results. The union issued a 15-day deadline to the State Government to address a five-point list of grievances.
KSU general secretary Reuben Najiar confirmed eight meetings starting at 7 pm daily. The August 17 venues include Mawlai Stand Bus, Last Stop Laban, Pohkseh, and Umlyngka. On August 18, meetings move to Laitumkhrah Police Point, Karbom Mawprem, YMCA Mawkhar, and Iew Nongmensong. The group aims to stir up public support.
The union demands the cancellation of the July 31 public hearing for a proposed Shree Cement mining project. They claim the hearing suppressed local opposition. Consequently, they want the East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, top police brass, and Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board staff removed. They also seek departmental proceedings against these officials.
KSU leadership remains firm on the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act. They want full implementation of the 2016 law, including facilitation centers at all 18 identified locations and verification via Dorbar Shnongs. Reuben Najiar stated, "The government had failed to implement the decade-old Act effectively." They also want the Migrant Workmen Act amendment of 2020 used to control worker entry and guard local jobs.
Regarding NEIGRIHMS, the union demands an immediate recruitment review. They want an 80:20 female-to-male ratio for nursing, better indigenous reservation, and exams held locally. Finally, the KSU demands a transparent hiring system. This includes ditching personal interviews for Grade B, C, and D posts and updating protocols for the MPSC and District Selection Committees.
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