SHILLONG, MEGHALAYA – The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), commemorating its 47th anniversary, has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of indigenous people in Meghalaya and issued a stern warning to the state government against provoking it on the railway project issue. Lambokstarwell Marngar, the union’s president, described the railway projects without a mechanism to control immigration as a deliberate provocation, stating that the organisation would not tolerate development that compromises the Khasi people’s security.
The KSU has criticized the state government for failing to enforce the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) of 2016, questioning why elected representatives continue to shirk accountability for their inaction. Marngar also alleged that both the state and central governments have attempted to undermine the organization over the years, including the uranium mining controversy between 2007 and 2009. The union has made it clear that it will not remain a silent bystander if the state government renounces its promise to involve stakeholders in framing rules and improving the principal act of the Meghalaya Investment Promotion and Facilitation (MIPF) Act.
The KSU has expressed concerns about the claims made by the Chief Minister and some ministers that the matter has been taken up with the central government, including the Union Home Minister. It is surprising that, despite numerous meetings and assurances, the Government of India has yet to respond to the state’s demand to implement the Inner Line Permit system under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873. Since 2019, the Meghalaya Assembly has passed a resolution urging the Centre to implement the ILP, but there has been no action taken. Marngar believes that the government is pushing the organization to the corner, as they continue to conduct raids and inspections to detect illegal immigrants.
Founded in 1978, the KSU has evolved into a students’ movement dedicated to uniting various sub-groups of the Khasi community under a single platform. The organization’s motto, “Mait Shaphrang Khlur Ka Ri,” meaning “strive forward, children of the soil,” reflects its mission to safeguard the rights of the Khasi people. With a robust history, the KSU is determined to continue its unwavering commitment to fighting for the rights of its people.
As the longstanding conflict surrounding the railway project and the ILP system continues to simmer, the KSU’s resolute stance has sent a clear message to the state government: the organization will not be silenced or swayed by threats or provocations. As the silence from the Centre remains deafening, the KSU’s unwavering dedication to its people’s cause will undoubtedly continue to be a powerful force for change in Meghalaya.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/03/21/railway-projects-without-ilp-a-deliberate-provocation-ksu/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2025-03-21 02:01:00
