Shillong, Oct 15: The Jaintia Students’ Movement (JSM) has urged the Chief Election Commissioner of India to conduct the by-election to the vacant Shillong Parliamentary Constituency only after completion of school final exams and Christmas festivities.
In a letter to the ECI, the JSM noted that MP Dr Ricky A J Syngkon passed away on February 19, 2026 and by-poll was due by August, 2026 but was postponed due to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, expected to complete by this month.
The JSM said the final/promotion exams of all schools in Meghalaya will be held in November 2026 and MBOSE has announced SSLC schedule December 4-16, 2026.
“Majority of people are Christians and people will be in festive moods from the third week of December for Christmas,” JSM said.
JSM requested that the by-election be held after exams and Christmas festival so campaigns do not disturb studies and festive mood is respected and upheld as a secular country.
