KSU vows protests against Vande Mataram mandate, calls it assimilation threat

SHILLONG, MAR 20: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) is all set to stage protest at schools and government functions where the full six‑stanza Vande Mataram is sung, arguing that later verses invoke Hindu deities and amount to “a process of assimilation” contrary to Khasi traditions.

Announcing this at an event marking 48 years of the union, KSU general secretary Donald V Thabah recalled detentions of KSU workers and said “the jail always has members of the KSU” as young members carry forward what he called the defence of indigenous identity.

He linked the Vande Mataram order to earlier attempts to impose Hindi and to the Citizenship Amendment Act and Uniform Civil Code, which he said undermine customary practices.

“If we allow them to direct us to sing…one day we will have to toe the line,” he said, urging cadres to report occasions where the song is performed so protests can be organised.

Thabah said only the first two stanzas speak of the land while the rest praise Hindu deities.

The KSU reiterated demands for stronger anti‑influx laws and warned that younger generations would judge today’s inaction.

“We are committed to serve for the next 50,000 years to show the world that the indigenous community lives,” Thabah said.

In his address, KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngnar said the union, formed 48 years ago amid crises, remains determined to resist what he called “forces from outside” seeking to marginalise indigenous people, urging youth to keep unity and principles above all.

“Our members used to come out to face challenges with only one objective — that the indigenous community should not be made a slave,” Marngnar told cadres, noting that jails have repeatedly held KSU members during campaigns on boundary disputes, education and migration controls.

“The government’s jail is not only for criminals; it is a school to encourage members to love and sacrifice for the cause of the indigenous community.”

He recalled leaders and members “fallen due to government bullets and illegal migrants” and warned that infighting would leave the community “overpowered.”

“If our mindset is defeated, we will lose the battle against outside forces,” he said, appealing to youth as torch‑bearers to play their part for upliftment and security.

The union pledged to continue pressing pending demands — including stronger anti‑influx laws — and said it would serve the indigenous community “despite whatever others may say,” with its future resting on young people’s commitment.