Shillong: Newly elected Khasi Students' Union (KSU) president Raymond P Kharjana has pledged to prioritize indigenous rights and land protection during his 2026-2029 term. During his swearing-in ceremony at the Soso Tham Auditorium on Saturday, Kharjana confirmed that his leadership would remain firm in the face of government pressure and external interference.
The union's core agenda includes the immediate implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and the formal recognition of the Khasi language under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Addressing the ongoing lack of response from the Centre regarding these demands, Kharjana noted, "The issue cannot end with the mere submission of memoranda. There must be sustained pressure to secure constitutional safeguards for the indigenous people."
Kharjana also outlined strong opposition to uranium mining in Domiasiat and clarified that the union would block railway expansion projects until effective laws are established to regulate the influx of outsiders. Furthermore, the union intends to intensify its advocacy for a comprehensive land protection law to combat land alienation.
On the education front, the new leadership plans to address the uneven distribution of teachers in schools and increase support for local candidates aiming for civil service careers. Beyond these issues, the CEC, led by Kharjana and General Secretary Reuben A Najiar, plans to address the Assam-Meghalaya border dispute and combat the local drug crisis.
Comments