Shillong, April 20: Members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Shillong Mihngi Circle on Monday locked the office of the Principal at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Shillong, located in Mawdiangdiang, New Shillong, in protest against the alleged dismissal of Khasi employees from the institute.
The protest was led by KSU member Samuel Kharbani, who stated that the union was compelled to take the step after repeated attempts to engage with the institute’s authorities went unanswered. He alleged that despite sending letters twice requesting a meeting to discuss issues affecting staff, the Principal, Dr. Mrs B. Kharshiing, failed to respond. “We have tried to resolve the matter through dialogue. We submitted letters and even shared contact details, but there has been no response from the Principal’s office,” Kharbani told reporters.
He further claimed that several Khasi employees who were working at the institute had been arbitrarily removed by the management. “There are still Khasi staff working here, but many have been dismissed without proper justification. We see this as an act of injustice,” he alleged.
Kharbani said this was the second visit by the union to the institute. During their first visit, the Principal was not present. On the second occasion, the union submitted a formal letter seeking an appointment and later managed to meet the Principal’s Personal Assistant, while also attempting to reach out through multiple phone calls.
Alleging misuse of authority within the institution, the KSU leader claimed there were several instances of unfair practices, including the abrupt termination of staff. He added that the union’s letter had outlined multiple concerns and sought clarification from the authorities, but no opportunity for a formal discussion had been provided so far.
The union has warned that if the institute’s authorities attempt to forcibly open the locked office, it will resort to stronger forms of protest in the coming days.
