Shillong, Aug 25: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Tuesday accepted the government’s invite for talks on its five-point charter, but warned of intensifying agitation if the outcome is not fruitful.
The meeting is scheduled on Wednesday at the Secretariat, to be chaired by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.
The KSU delegation will be led by Assistant General Secretary Pynshaiborlang Rani.
KSU Publicity secretary Pynshai Kupar Dkhar said the CEC accepted the invitation and hoped for a positive outcome. He cautioned the government that failure to reach a satisfactory resolution will force the union to intensify its agitation.
The talks follow the arrest of KSU president Raymond Kharjana, vice-president Pynkmenlang Sanmiet, general secretary Reuben Najiar and assistant organising secretary Jeremiah Pohtmi in connection with vandalism and assault during the August 19 black-flag bike rally to press the demands.
The first demand is cancellation of the July 31 Shree Cement public hearing. The KSU alleged it was stage-managed by the government and company to push mining, and sought removal of the East Jaintia Hills DC, SP and senior police officials along with MSPCB staff for allegedly blocking opponents, with departmental proceedings against them.
The second demand is full implementation of MRSSA, 2016 till ILP is enacted. The KSU accused the state of deceiving people for 10 years and said influx has increased due to pressure in West Bengal and Assam. It demanded facilitation centres at all 18 entry-exit points in Khasi and Jaintia Hills, activated District Task Forces in every district, and verification only through Dorbar Shnongs instead of online registration.
The third demand is implementation of the amended Migrant Workmen Act, 2020 to check outsiders taking local jobs.
The fourth pertains to NEIGRIHMS recruitment. The KSU said the government assured action in 2025 but nothing has moved. It wants an 80:20 female-to-male nurse ratio, proper reservation as Khasis, Jaintias and Garos get only 7.5 per cent, and in-state exams by NEIGRIHMS citing irregularities in exams held outside.
The fifth demand is a clean recruitment process, including scrapping personal interviews for Grade B, C and D posts as directed by the Centre, reforms in MPSC and DSC, and SOPs for all recruitment boards to stop arbitrary appointments.
Meanwhile, former KSU leaders including Lambokstarwell Marngar and Donald V Thabah visited Shillong District Jail on Tuesday to meet the jailed leaders, who have been brought back to Shillong, amid earlier reports they were taken to Garo Hills after the arrest.
