SHILLONG: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has accepted the Meghalaya government’s invitation for talks on its five demands, days after violence broke out during the organisation’s August 19 rally in Shillong.
The decision was taken by the KSU Central Executive Committee (CEC) at an emergency meeting on the evening of August 25, the organisation said.
KSU Information and Publicity Secretary Pynshai Kular Dkhar said the union hoped the meeting would be productive.
The talks are scheduled for 6 pm on Wednesday at the Conference Hall of the Meghalaya Secretariat. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma is expected to meet KSU representatives, according to a letter sent to the organisation by D D Syngai, Joint Secretary in charge of Home (Political).
The KSU has sought action against the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, senior police officers and Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board officials over the July 31 public hearing for the proposed Shree Cement project in East Jaintia Hills.
It has also demanded full implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016, and facilitation centres at all 18 entry points in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills pending implementation of the Inner Line Permit system.
Other demands include implementation of the amended Migrant Workmen Act, 2020, and changes to recruitment rules at NEIGRIHMS, including an 80:20 male-female ratio for nurses, reservation for indigenous people, removal of interviews for Grade B, C and D posts and a standard operating procedure for recruitment boards.
The talks come against the backdrop of violence during the KSU motorcycle rally on August 19, during which stone-pelting, vandalism and assaults were reported.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said 31 vehicles were damaged, 18 people were injured and two vehicles were set on fire.
Four senior KSU leaders — Raymond Kharjana, Pynkmenlang Sanmiet, Reuben Najiar and Jememiah Pohthmi — were arrested in connection with the violence and are currently lodged in Shillong District Jail.
