SHILLONG: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) president, Lambokstarwell Marngar on Monday said that the students’ organization would walk out of the scheduled meeting with the state government on July 19 next and continue its agitation against railway projects if the state government did not take a decision to stop railway projects in the state.
Marngar said so while talking to a gathering on the sideline of a programme held to pay homage to Khasi freedom fighter, Tirot Sing Syiem on his 182nd death anniversary on Monday at Madan Iewrynghep, Laitumkhrah.
Referring to arrests KSU members and harassment of their relatives by the police, he asserted that many KSU leaders were prepared to agitate for the cause of the indigenous community.
“Twenty-six KSU members have been arrested so far. But we won’t go into hiding as many KSU members will continue to agitate. If there is bloodshed, the chief minister (Mukul Sangma), and his ministers will be held responsible,” Marngar said.
Agitated at the lackadaisical attitude of the state government over the burning issue of railways, Marngar added, “We are firm on our stand to oppose railways into the state. We will not compromise on issues involving the interests of indigenous community.”
Meanwhile, Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) also paid tribute to Syiem. Adelbert Nongrum, KHNAM member, said, “We have to fight against the issues pertaining to railways and influx till the end.”