KSU continues rail resistance

NONGPOH: The railway project in the state is yet to be on track as the North Khasi Hills unit of the Khasi Students’ Union has once again expressed its displeasure over the absence of a strong mechanism to curb influx of illegal immigrants.
Reiterating its opposition to the project, the unit’s president Ferdynald K Kharkamni told media persons here on Saturday that irregular checking of trading licences to non-tribals and work permits for various menial works are a cause for concern.
“The union will check trading licences and work permits in the district,” Kharkamni added.
The KSU held its general executive council meeting on Sunday where the members conceded that until the government lays down a comprehensive mechanism to check influx, including setting up entry and exit points, the union would not support the project. The union also lambasted the state government for keeping mum on encroachment at Umru and Raid Nongtung (Block II) by the Assam government.
Thirteen KSU members were arrested last year for violent protests in Byrnihat.
Besides the railways and encroachment, the union discussed the inclusion of Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule. Kharkamni said KSU would put pressure on the state government to take serious note of the issue.
The union also demanded better facilities for sports in the district.