By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 6: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Thursday closed down several offices, including banks, post offices and private firms across parts of Shillong and its outskirts for operating despite the official holiday declared for the Nongkrem Dance Festival of Hima Khyrim.
Units of the KSU carried out the shutdown drive in protest against what they termed a lack of respect for the government-declared holiday that marks the annual traditional and religious festival of Hima Khyrim.
The closure covered a wide range of areas such as Upper Shillong, Lumdiengjri, Motphran, Khyndai Lad, Keating Road, Laitumkhrah, Nongthymmai, Nongmensong and other nearby localities and villages.
KSU information and publicity secretary, Pynshai Rani, said the union was compelled to act after observing that certain institutions continued to function despite the government’s notification. He stated that the decision to open offices on such a day amounted to “disrespect and insult” to the cultural identity and traditions of the Khasi community.
Issuing a stern warning, the KSU declared that all offices and institutions must henceforth voluntarily close on important cultural and commemorative days of the Khasi people—including the death anniversaries of U Tirot Sing, U Kiang Nangbah and U Soso Tham, as well as Shad Suk Mynsiem, Seng Kut Snem and Behdeiñkhlam—without waiting for the union to intervene.
Rani further cautioned that if central government offices or private companies continue to ignore these significant community observances, the KSU would question their right to operate in Khasi land.
