Shillong, Apr 4: Former Khasi Students Union (KSU) president Samuel Jyrwa today stated that the community is facing the risk of becoming a minority in its own land and urged the people to remain vigilant.
Speaking at a rally to commemorate the Khasi National Awakening Day, Jyrwa who is also the chairman of the North East Students’ Organisation (NESO), drew comparisons to the Tripuri community’s situation in Tripura stating that they have become a minority community since 1950 and are unable to exercise their rights in their own land.
Jyrwa said that with mounting pressures from larger populations, the need for unity and vigilance is more critical than ever. He reminded the gathering that in the recent past, the Khasi people who stayed at Lalchanbati (now Nongmensong) had to flee from their own land due to an attack by another community. He was happy to note that due to the vigilance of the community, Lalchanbasti is now permanently known as Nongmensong.
KSU president Lambokstar Marngar echoed this sentiment, highlighting the role of the future generation in advocating for the rights and security of the Khasi people.
The rally began from the premises of Bharat Scouts & Guides, Laban up to Shillong Vidyalaya Secondary School, Lumshatsngi. During the procession, many shops downed shutters as precautionary measure while police maintained a presence to ensure law and order throughout the event.
A minor stone-pelting incident was reported near Laban Police Station which was brought under control.
Every year the KSU observes April 4 as the day to “awaken” the Khasi-Jaintia communities to fight for a free, secure, clean and peaceful co-existence between sons of the soil and more so, towards a sense of belonging and ownership of land of which the forefathers and freedom fighters had fought for through the war against the British in 1829 to achieve victory and freedom for the indigenous people of Meghalaya.
