Shillong, July 9: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), North Khasi Hills District Unit, on Thursday locked the office of the Director of the ICAR, NEH Region, at Umiam after alleging that the institution failed to observe the state government-declared holiday on the occasion of the Behdeiñkhlam festival.
The protest was led by the Organising Secretary of the KSU North Khasi Hills District Unit, Baiashanlang Kharshanlor, along with members of the KSU Umiam Circle and the KSU Eastern Border Area. The protesters also asked employees to leave the premises after locking the Director’s office.
According to the KSU, its members received information that the ICAR office was functioning despite the state government’s notification declaring July 9 a state holiday for the Behdeiñkhlam festival. The union said its leaders visited the institute intending to persuade the Director to honour the holiday declaration.
However, the KSU alleged that the Director responded in an arrogant and disrespectful manner during the interaction, leading to a heated verbal exchange between the two sides.
The union maintained that all institutions functioning within the state should respect government-notified public holidays, particularly those associated with the cultural and religious traditions of Meghalaya.
There was no immediate response from the ICAR authorities regarding the allegations at the time of filing this report.
