SHILLONG, AUG 19: Cabinet Minister and MDA government spokesperson Wailadmiki Shylla on Wednesday appealed to the Khasi Students’ Union to come forward for talks, asserting that the government is prepared to listen and resolve issues through dialogue.
Speaking to the media on the ongoing KSU protests, Shylla said the state government remains open to engagement on all matters raised by the union.
“Yes, definitely we are ready for talks. I want to make it very clear that the government is open for discussion. We are ready to listen and to have a dialogue,” he said.
“I think that is the way forward. So I request and urge the KSU to come and have dialogue with the government,” Shylla added.
The KSU has submitted a five-point charter of demands to the government.
The key demand relates to the July 31, 2026 public hearing for Shree Cement in East Jaintia Hills, which the union has alleged was “pre-arranged.”
In this regard, the KSU has also sought action against the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, senior police officers and officials of the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, along with departmental action against those accused of blocking participation.
The union has further demanded the full implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016 until an Inner Line Permit system is put in place.
It has called for the setting up of facilitation centres at all 18 entry points in Khasi and Jaintia Hills and for verification to be carried out by the Dorbar Shnong only.
The other demands include immediate implementation of the amended Migrant Workmen Act, 2020, reforms in recruitment at NEIGRIHMS with an 80:20 female-to-male ratio for nurses and proper reservation for Khasis, Jaintias and Garos, and the removal of interviews for Grade B, C and D posts along with the framing of Standard Operating Procedures for all recruitment boards.
