By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 24: Challenging the state’s political spine, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Saturday demanded a fresh Assembly resolution on the Inner Line Permit (ILP), accusing both the Centre and the state government of turning a unanimous 2019 mandate into a “dead letter.” For pro-ILP outfits such as the KSU and Voice of the People Party (VPP), this renewed plea is not merely a reprise of an old demand — it is a strategic trial of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s resolve to deliver on ILP for Meghalaya, on par with what Manipur received after its resolution in 2019.
At the end of its General Executive Council (GEC) meeting, KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar said that if the Government of India continues to delay action on the 2019 Assembly resolution—unanimously adopted to urge ILP implementation—the state must return to the Assembly with another resolution to force the Centre’s hand. “If the Government of India is still delaying and keeping the resolution pending, then the state government, if it has the political will, should pass another resolution to press for the implementation of ILP in Meghalaya,” he said.
The KSU’s impatience reflects broader frustration among civil society and pressure groups, who see piecemeal steps on related legal frameworks—such as the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA)—as inadequate substitutes for full ILP enforcement.
Voicing a similar critique, the Opposition VPP recently accused successive state governments of treating the ILP demand as a “political game” rather than a substantive effort to secure constitutional protections for indigenous communities, alleging that even the unanimous 2019 resolution was not backed by genuine intent.
The demand for ILP was first formally taken up by the Meghalaya Assembly in December 2019 with broad bipartisan support. Yet, despite repeated assurances and representations by local MPs and legislators, the Centre has neither notified ILP for Meghalaya nor provided a clear timeline for a decision.
Marngar underlined that without effective legal safeguards, indigenous communities remain vulnerable to perceived “unregulated influx,” a term he and allied groups use to describe the unchecked entry of outsiders — a subject of contention in previous demonstrations led by the North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) and others.
KSU leadership transition likely
The KSU, one of Meghalaya’s most influential pressure groups, appears to be on the cusp of a leadership transition, with indications that several senior office-bearers of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) may not seek re-election in the upcoming polls, likely to be held in February or March.
Sources within the organisation said the next CEC election, which will lead the KSU for a three-year term from 2026 to 2029, could usher in a new generation of leaders. Several top members of the current leadership are reportedly inclined to step aside after serving multiple consecutive terms.
During a meeting of the General Executive Council (GEC) held on Saturday, it was indicated that incumbent CEC president Lambokstarwell Marngar, general secretary Donald V Thabah, vice president Biangbor Paliar, assistant general secretary Sonstar Nongkhlaw, along with a few other senior leaders, have expressed their intention not to contest another term.
Emotional scenes were witnessed at the conclusion of the meeting, as several women members of the KSU were seen in tears, embracing Marngar and Thabah, reflecting the strong bond between the leadership and the cadre.
Responding to media queries on whether a final decision had been taken, Marngar said it was normal for leaders to step aside at the end of a term while others continue. He clarified that a formal decision would be taken only after the CEC meets to deliberate specifically on the election process.
“It would not be proper to divulge anything at this moment. Let the CEC first meet to discuss the election,” Marngar said.
On whether the organisation has capable leaders to replace the present office bearers, he asserted that the KSU has no shortage of leadership. He noted that as the KSU approaches its 50th year, it has a well-established system to groom future leaders.
“We have always had a mechanism to prepare leaders who can shoulder responsibility and serve the interests of the indigenous community,” he said.
Marngar added that the question of the continuation of the current leadership would be considered at the appropriate time.
Marngar, Thabah, Paliar, and Nongkhlaw were first elected during the KSU’s 13th general election in February 2017 for the 2017-2020 term. They have since served three consecutive terms, leading the organisation through several major movements.
While speculation had suggested the leadership might continue for another term, recent developments point towards a change at the helm, with new faces likely to guide the organisation in the coming years.
The present leadership had taken over from former KSU president Daniel Khyriem and then general secretary Augester Jyrwa, marking a significant phase in the organisation’s history that now appears to be nearing its close.
KSU looks to restore transparency in MPSC, DSC recruitment
The (KSU said it will take all possible steps to restore credibility and transparency in the recruitment processes of Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) and District Selection Committees (DSCs).
A resolution towards this end was taken during the union’s General Executive Council meeting. Leaders from various KSU units voiced concern over “persistent” lack of transparency in recruitment, both at MPSC and DSC levels.
The issue, the student’s body said, has caused frustration among jobseekers in the state.
KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar told media persons that the organisation has witnessed the problem firsthand and has, from time to time, made efforts to push for reforms, aimed at ensuring fairness in the recruitment system.
“In the coming days, the Central Executive Committee will sit together to carefully examine and compile the suggestions put forward by members from various units. We will deliberate thoroughly and work towards ensuring that the aspirations of job-seeking youths—particularly their demand for fairness and transparency—are addressed,” Marngar said.
He added that concerns raised by district-level leaders indicated that the issue is not confined to the MPSC alone but is equally prevalent in recruitments conducted by the DSCs.
According to the KSU, the situation has led to widespread uncertainty, dissatisfaction, and grievances among aspirants. The organisation said it will seriously consider all possible options and steps required to bring back transparency and public confidence in the recruitment processes.
On January 19, the KSU had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the MPSC, demanding an end to the delay in implementing reforms. The student body had alleged that the recruitment system was being deliberately manipulated to favour well-connected candidates over deserving applicants.
Following a meeting with MPSC Chairman D Langstang, KSU Employment and Monitoring Cell Chairman Reuben Najiar stated that although a committee report recommending reforms was submitted to the Commission five months ago, no concrete action was taken. The committee was headed by Principal Secretary F.R. Kharkongor.
Najiar had expressed disappointment over the “unjustified delay” in implementing the committee’s recommendations. “When we questioned the chairman, we were told that the Commission is still studying the report. There is nothing left to study—the committee has already done its work. What is required now is implementation,” he had stated.
The KSU also submitted a written reminder to the MPSC, demanding that all key recommendations, including the disclosure of marks and other transparency measures, be implemented within one week.
