By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 26: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Vairengte Circle, in Kolasib District of Mizoram, held a felicitation programme on May 24 to honour nine Khasi students who excelled in this year’s board examinations conducted by the Mizoram Board of School Education (MBSE).
The Khasi community has been residing in Mizoram for over 85 years, primarily in three villages — Khasi Veng (where “Veng” means village in the Mizo language), Phaisen, and Saipum. These villages are located in remote areas of the state.
There are approximately 115 Khasi families in Mizoram, with 80 of them living in Khasi Veng alone. The total Khasi population across the three villages is estimated at around 500, with most engaged in betel nut and betel leaf cultivation.
The KSU Vairengte Unit was established in 2009 following a conflict between the Khasi community and the state’s majority tribe. Through the dedicated efforts of the KSU Vairengte Unit and the Khasi Welfare Committee, peace was eventually restored through dialogue and mutual understanding.
The recent felicitation event aimed to encourage and inspire Khasi students who achieved outstanding academic results. It was attended by KSU General Secretary Donald V. Thabah and other members of the student body from Shillong.
Minister of Land Revenue and Settlement, B Lalchhanzova, served as the chief guest, while Sub-Divisional Officer of the Vairengte Civil Sub-Division, H Vanlalbiakzuava, was the guest of honour.