Shillong, August 8: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Central Executive Council, has announced a series of public meetings across different districts to create awareness among the public about five key demands submitted by the organisation to the State Government, which it said have remained pending for several years.
The KSU has given the State Government a 15-day deadline ending August 17, 2026, to take immediate steps towards implementing its demands.
In a press statement, Reuben Najiar, General Secretary, Khasi Students’ Union informed the public awareness meetings will begin on August 10 at Mawkyrwat, followed by Khliehriat and Mawrynkneng on August 11, Umsning and Mairang on August 12, Sohra and Jowai on August 13, and Nongstoin on August 14.
The Union said these meetings would be only the beginning of its programme and warned that it would organise further public meetings and various forms of agitation if the State Government continues to remain silent on what it described as important issues concerning the welfare of society.
The KSU demanded cancellation of the public hearing conducted for Shree Cement on July 31, 2026, alleging that there was a pre-planned understanding between the State Government and the company to suppress those opposing the proposed mining activities.
The Union also demanded the removal of the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and senior police officials of East Jaintia Hills District, along with concerned officials of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB), alleging that they had obstructed members of the public from participating in the public hearing.
The KSU further demanded departmental proceedings against the officials concerned.
The Union demanded the full implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016, until an Inner Line Permit (ILP) system is introduced.
It alleged that the State Government had delayed implementation of the Act for nearly a decade and claimed that people from outside the State continue to enter Meghalaya due to the absence of effective mechanisms to regulate their movement.
The KSU also referred to the recent eviction of outsiders in West Bengal and Assam and claimed that many people were subsequently entering Meghalaya.
The Union demanded that entry and exit checkpoints or Facilitation Centres be established at the 18 locations in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills that had earlier been identified by the previous government, instead of limiting them to Umling.
It also called for District Task Forces to function in every district to maintain records of residents and enforce provisions of the MRSSA, 2016. The KSU further opposed online registration of residents and said such verification should be carried out only through Dorbar Shnongs.
The KSU demanded implementation of the 2020 amendment to the Migrant Workmen Act, stating that it should be used to prevent people from outside the State from entering Meghalaya indiscriminately and taking away employment opportunities and livelihoods of local residents.
The Union also demanded reforms in the recruitment process at NEIGRIHMS.
It said the State Government had intervened in 2025 and brought an end to the Union’s agitation after assuring it that the demands would be taken up with the State and Central Governments. However, the KSU alleged that more than a year had passed without any concrete action.
Among its demands, the KSU called for an 80:20 female-to-male ratio in nursing posts, adequate reservation for Khasi-Jaintia and Garo candidates, who it claimed currently receive only 7.5 per cent reservation, and for NEIGRIHMS to conduct its own recruitment examinations within Meghalaya.
The Union also raised concerns over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted outside the State.
The KSU demanded a transparent recruitment system in the State.
It called for the removal of personal interviews for Grade B, C and D posts, as directed by the Central Government. It also sought reforms in the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) and District Selection Committees (DSCs) based on recommendations submitted by the Union.
The KSU further demanded that proper laws or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) be introduced for other recruitment boards, alleging that recruitment by such boards is currently conducted arbitrarily.
Through the statement, the KSU appealed to the Khasi people to participate in the public meetings and extend their support to the five demands.
