Khasi Students Union (KSU) president Raymond Kharjana walked out of Shillong District Jail on bail on October 23 and immediately vowed to intensify the organisation’s agitation for its five demands, describing his time behind bars as an opportunity for reflection rather than a setback.
Kharjana and KSU general secretary Reuben Najiar were arrested in connection with the violence that broke out during the union’s black flag bike rally on August 19. Both leaders were granted bail and released on Friday, where they were received by former KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar, a former vice-president, and other union leaders and members.
Following their release, the two leaders were felicitated before a procession was taken out from the jail to the union’s office at Jaiaw.
Addressing the media after his release, Kharjana said the period in custody had given the leadership time to reflect on issues affecting the Khasi community, which he referred to as the jaidbynriew. “When we are in jail, it is like a school that sharpens the mature thinking of every member. Inside we get time to ponder over issues that affect our jaidbynriew, which we sometimes miss outside due to our busy schedule,” he said.
The KSU president indicated that the union’s campaign would continue on multiple fronts, saying some of the five demands had begun to take shape while others would require sustained follow-up and pressure. “We see some of our five demands have started to take shape. There are others we will have to follow up and push from time to time. For now we will pursue these five demands,” he said.
Kharjana thanked the union’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) for keeping its activities running while the top leadership remained behind bars. He also acknowledged the support extended by former leaders, whom he described as advisers and brothers who stood by the organisation during a difficult period.
Reiterating the union’s resolve, he drew on a familiar refrain among members. “We have always said that when we join the union, one leg is in jail and one leg is outside. This jail term cannot kill the fighting spirit,” he said.
The KSU chief also alleged that attempts had been made to weaken the organisation’s morale, pointing to the raid and attack on its office and what he described as efforts to defame its leaders on social media. “But they cannot destroy our spirit of struggle,” he asserted.
Calling on members to remain prepared for further action, Kharjana said the union would continue to raise issues concerning the land and people of the Khasi community and highlight what it considers threats to their future.
The specific demands driving the agitation were not individually listed by Kharjana during Friday’s media interaction, though the union leadership made clear that pursuing them remains its immediate priority.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/ksu-chief-raymond-kharjana-general-secretary-reuben-najiar-released-on-bail-in-shillong-1466673-2026-10-23?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-10-23 22:19:00
