Shillong, June 5: The Khasi Students’ Union on Wednesday displayed posters and banners across key locations in Shillong, pressing long-standing demands including the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), a ban on uranium mining, and increased employment opportunities for indigenous youth.
The banners were put up at major points in the city, particularly in the Polo area, through which Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other dignitaries travelled while attending the 73rd plenary session of the North Eastern Council.
The student body stated that the issues raised have remained unresolved despite repeated appeals to both the Centre and the state government.
Among the key demands highlighted were the implementation of the ILP system to regulate entry of outsiders into Meghalaya, a complete ban on uranium mining, and greater recruitment of local youth in institutions such as the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences.
KSU members were also seen requesting police personnel not to remove the banners, describing the act as a peaceful and democratic form of protest that did not disrupt public movement.
Speaking to reporters, KSU General Secretary Reuben Anderson Najiar said the initiative was aimed at drawing the attention of visiting Union ministers to the long-pending demands of the organisation.
He stated that the concerns related to identity protection, environmental safety and employment opportunities for indigenous communities continue to remain unresolved.
The Inner Line Permit system, demanded by the organisation, is currently enforced in states including Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur to regulate entry of non-residents.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Shillong to attend the NEC meeting, which brought together governors, chief ministers and senior officials from across the northeastern states to discuss regional development and cooperation.
