SHILLONG : The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Meghalaya Government, warning that it will launch statewide protests if several long-pending issues remain unresolved after the deadline.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, the Union accused the government of repeatedly delaying important matters despite years of meetings, discussions and assurances. It said repeated engagements had produced little progress, forcing the organisation to issue what it described as a final warning before resorting to agitation.
At the centre of the Union’s criticism is the recent public hearing for the proposed Shree Cement project in East Jaintia Hills. The KSU alleged that the July 31 hearing was not conducted in a fair manner and claimed local residents opposing the project were prevented from reaching the venue.
The Union further alleged that tension escalated a day before the hearing after roads at Ladtonseng were dug up, tear gas was fired and several vehicles were damaged during stone-pelting. It claimed repeated attempts to contact senior district officials and police officers during the incident went unanswered.
The KSU has demanded that the public hearing be cancelled and has also sought departmental action against the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and officials of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board for their handling of the situation.
Another major issue raised by the Union is the continued delay in implementing the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016. The KSU questioned why facilitation centres at the state’s entry and exit points remain incomplete despite land being acquired and funds already sanctioned. It also called for physical verification of tenants through Dorbar Shnongs and sought regular progress reports from the government.
The Union also expressed concern over the lack of implementation of the amended Meghalaya Identification, Registration and Safety of Migrant Workers Act, approved by the Cabinet in August 2024. It said the delay has weakened monitoring of migrant workers and raised concerns over unchecked influx into the state.
The KSU also reminded the government about commitments made following its protest at NEIGRIHMS in 2025. It said promises relating to recruitment, reservation for indigenous tribals and staffing issues have remained unresolved despite assurances that the matter would be pursued with the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Recruitment reforms also featured prominently in the Union’s charter of demands. It called for the abolition of interviews for several lower-level government posts in line with Central guidelines, arguing that merit-based recruitment should replace discretionary selection. The organisation further pressed for wider reforms in the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) and District Selection Committee (DSC), saying several recommendations submitted over the past two years are still awaiting implementation.
The Union also renewed its demand that state government jobs should be reserved for residents of Meghalaya and objected to recruitment advertisements inviting applications from “genuine residents of India.”On uranium mining, the KSU urged the government to honour its earlier commitment by passing a resolution opposing uranium mining in the state. It also appealed to the Autonomous District Councils to frame laws on the issue and reiterated its demand for the relocation of the Atomic Minerals Directorate office from Nongmensong.
The Union said the government now has 15 days to respond. It warned that if there is no concrete action within the stipulated period, the KSU will begin protests across Meghalaya until the demands are addressed.