By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 26: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Thursday met Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed to seek intervention on five critical issues, including a strong objection to a recent circular that required school students to sing and record ‘Vande Mataram’.
A KSU delegation, led by assistant general secretary Reuben Najiar, submitted a memorandum outlining their concerns.
KSU general secretary Donald V. Thabah condemned the directive from the Directorate of Arts and Culture, arguing that making the song compulsory is inappropriate in a secular state as it contains references to Hindu deities. The union warned of intensified agitation if such directives continue.
The KSU also raised concerns over unresolved recruitment issues at NEIGRIHMS.
Thabah recalled the indefinite sit-in protest in May 2025, which demanded an 80:20 female-to-male nursing ratio, revised reservations for indigenous tribals and independent recruitment examinations. While the protest was suspended following government assurances, the union alleged there has been no progress in the last year and urged immediate action.
Another major grievance involved the delay in implementing amendments to the Meghalaya Identification, Registration (Safety & Security) of Migrant Workers Act, 2020. Approved by the state cabinet in August 2024, the amendments mandate the registration of migrant labourers and prescribe penalties for violations. Expressing dissatisfaction over the delay, the KSU warned it would resume eviction drives if the government fails to act.
The union further flagged alleged irregularities in District Selection Committees (DSCs). It noted that recommendations submitted in October 2024 to improve transparency, including the declaration of cut-off marks and answer keys and the elimination of personal interviews, have been ignored. Alleging nepotism in recent recruitment results, the KSU warned of protests if reforms are not introduced.
The KSU then urged the government to expedite the eviction of illegal settlers from Mahadev Khola and Maxwelton Estate, stating that the matter has remained unresolved despite repeated appeals.
Thabah called for concrete steps on all five issues, stating that the government’s failure to address these concerns would lead to state-wide protests.
