KSU issues 15-day ultimatum to Meghalaya government over multiple demands
Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has given Meghalaya government a 15-day ultimatum, warning of agitation if pending demands are not addressed. The union has cited an
The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has served a 15-day ultimatum to the Meghalaya government, saying it will launch a statewide agitation if several long-pending demands are not addressed within the period. The union claimed the government has delayed issues for years and said repeated meetings did not lead to any meaningful outcome.
KSU demands action including scrapping of a public hearing
In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, the KSU linked its warning to what it called “authoritarian functioning” in connection with recent events in East Jaintia Hills. It said the government must respond before the deadline or face protests until its demands are met.
Among the demands, the KSU asked that an environmental public hearing held on July 31 for Shree Cement’s proposed project in East Jaintia Hills be cancelled. The union alleged that the hearing was conducted in an arbitrary manner and should be scrapped.
The KSU also accused the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and officials of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) of acting in favour of the company during the process. It alleged that those opposed to the project were prevented from participating, and claimed that roads were blocked, tear gas was used, and stones were pelted at vehicles.
Legal measures and recruitment reforms among other demands
The union reiterated calls for immediate implementation of the MRSSA 2016 and for facilitation centres at entry and exit points across the state. It also sought a time-bound roadmap and weekly progress reports for implementing the Act.
Other demands include enforcement of amendments to the Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety and Security) of Migrant Workers Act, 2020. The KSU said the state cabinet approved amendments in August 2024, but the revised law has not yet been enforced.
The union further pressed for recruitment-related assurances tied to NEIGRIHMS, including issues related to indigenous reservation and recruitment reforms. On recruitment rules, the KSU demanded the abolition of personal interviews for Group B (non-gazetted), Group C, and Group D posts, and called for reforms in the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) and District Selection Committees (DSCs), alleging continued lack of transparency.
