The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) will launch its agitation against the state government on Wednesday with a black-flag bike rally across large parts of Shillong after its 15-day ultimatum expired without response.
Addressing a public meeting at Laitumkhrah Police Point on Tuesday, KSU general secretary Reuben Najiar said the Union would begin with a “small” form of protest but intensify the agitation if the government continued to ignore its five-point charter of demands.
“From tomorrow, we will take to the streets and begin our public agitation. We will start with a black-flag march across Shillong city to put pressure on and condemn the government,” he said.
Najiar also warned that the KSU may be forced to call a bandh if the situation demands it, despite the government’s caution that the High Court has barred bandhs in the state.
The rally is scheduled to begin at 4 pm from the KSU office in Jaiaw and will pass through Seng Khasi College, Lumdiengjri, Anjalee, Rhino, Malki, Dhankheti, Madan Iewrynghep, Jylli Shop, Rynjah, Umpling, Itshyrwat, Nongmynsong, Polo, Golf Link, Mawlai, Mawroh, Mawlai Bus Stand, and Mawlai pump before concluding at Jaiaw.
KSU’s has five-point charter demands on indigenous rights, employment, migration and environmental concerns. Key demands include opposition to the proposed Shree Cement project in East Jaintia Hills and cancellation of the July 31 public hearing, with the KSU alleging high-handedness by the police and administration and seeking action against the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and concerned Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board officials.
The Union has also demanded immediate implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016, enforcement of the 2024 amendments relating to migrant workers, reforms in government recruitment (including removal of personal interviews for Grade C and D posts), reservation of government jobs for Meghalaya residents, action on recruitment issues at NEIGRIHMS, implementation of the Inner Line Permit, and honouring of the government’s earlier commitment to oppose uranium mining.