Shillong, Aug 14: After a series of district-level public meetings, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has announced gatherings across Shillong on August 17 and 18 to press the state government on a 5-point charter of demands. The KSU has given the government a 15-day deadline.
KSU General Secretary Reuben Najiar said the meetings will begin at 7 pm each day. On August 17, meetings will be held at Mawlai Bus Stand, Last Stop Laban, Pohkseh and Umlyngka, Upper Shillong. On August 18, they are scheduled at Laitumkhrah Police Point, Karbom Mawprem, YMCA Mawkhar and Ïew Nongmensong.
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.
