SHILLONG : Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) activists staged a brief banner protest at the Main Secretariat in Shillong on Wednesday, accusing the government of failing to act on the union’s five-point charter of demands.
The protesters put up banners alleging nepotism and corruption in government recruitment and called for a fair and transparent hiring process. Police removed the banners within minutes, following which security was strengthened around the Secretariat.
The protest came ahead of the KSU’s planned black-flag bike rally in Jaiaw later in the day.
One of the banners accused the system of denying jobs to deserving candidates, alleging that recruitment favours those who can pay bribes.
The protest followed public meetings organised by the KSU across Shillong on August 17 and 18 after the union’s 15-day deadline to the state government expired.
KSU demands action over Shree Cement public hearing
KSU general secretary Reuben Najiar said one of the union’s key demands is the cancellation of the July 31, 2026 public hearing for the proposed Shree Cement project in East Jaintia Hills, which the union has alleged was “pre-arranged.”
The KSU has also demanded action against the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, senior police officers and officials of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB). It has sought departmental action against officials allegedly involved in preventing people from participating in the public hearing.
MRSSA implementation and entry-point facilitation centres
Another major demand is the full implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016, until an Inner Line Permit (ILP) system is introduced.
The union has called for Facilitation Centres at all 18 entry points in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, with verification to be carried out only through the respective Dorbar Shnong.
Migrant Workmen Act and NEIGRIHMS recruitment reforms
The KSU is also demanding immediate implementation of the amended Migrant Workmen Act, 2020.
On recruitment at NEIGRIHMS, the union has sought reforms including an 80:20 female-to-male ratio for nurses and proper reservation for Khasi, Jaintia and Garo candidates.
The union has further demanded the removal of interviews for Grade B, C and D posts and the introduction of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all recruitment boards.
The KSU has appealed to the public to support its ongoing campaign and participate in its meetings and programmes.