Shillong, Aug 8: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has announced a series of district-level public awareness meetings starting August 10 to press the state government on five long-pending demands, and has given a 15-day deadline ending August 17 for action.
The union said the campaign is only the beginning and that it will intensify with more meetings and other forms of agitation if the government remains silent. It called on the Khasi community to participate and extend support to the issues, which it described as critical for the welfare of society.
The schedule of meetings begins on August 10 in Mawkyrwat, followed by Khliehriat and Mawrynkneng on August 11, Umsning and Mairang on August 12, Sohra and Jowai on August 13, and Nongstoin on August 14.
The first demand concerns the public hearing for Shree Cement held on July 31, 2026.
The KSU has demanded that the hearing be cancelled, alleging a pre-planned understanding between the government and the company to suppress opposition and facilitate mining.
It has also sought the removal of the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and senior police officials of East Jaintia Hills, along with officials of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board.
The KSU alleged that they prevented people opposed to the project from participating in the hearing and claimed they were influenced by the company. It further demanded departmental proceedings against the officials involved.
The second demand is for full implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016 until the Inner Line Permit (ILP) is introduced.
The union alleged that for the past 10 years the government has misled people on the Act and that delays are no longer acceptable.
It said people from outside the state continue to enter daily as there is no effective mechanism to regulate entry, especially with reports of outsiders being displaced from West Bengal and Assam and seeking shelter in Meghalaya.
The KSU demanded that facilitation centres for entry and exit, earlier approved at 18 locations in Khasi and Jaintia Hills, be set up instead of limiting them to Umling.
It also called for District Task Forces in every district to maintain records and enforce provisions of the MRSSA. The Union opposed online registration and said verification should be done only through the Dorbar Shnong.
The third demand is for implementation of the amended Migrant Workmen Act, 2020. The Union said this is needed to prevent outsiders from entering freely and taking away employment opportunities meant for indigenous people.
The fourth demand relates to recruitment reforms at NEIGRIHMS. The KSU recalled that in 2025 the government intervened and assured it would take up the issues with the Centre, but alleged that more than a year later nothing has been done.
The KSU wants an 80:20 female-to-male ratio in nursing posts, proper reservation as Khasi-Jaintia and Garo candidates currently get only 7.5 percent, and for NEIGRIHMS to conduct its own recruitment exams within Meghalaya.
It alleged that exams held outside the state have seen irregularities and cheating, and urged the government to address other recruitment-related issues at the institute.
The fifth demand is for a transparent and fair recruitment system. The KSU demanded removal of personal interviews for Grade B, C and D posts in line with central government directions.
It also sought implementation of reforms suggested by the union in the Meghalaya Public Service Commission and District Selection Committees.
Further, it called for proper laws and standard operating procedures for other recruitment boards, which it alleged currently function arbitrarily without adequate regulation.
The union said it expects the government to respond before the August 17 deadline and warned that failure to act will lead to expanded protests across the state.
