Union urges Khasis to honour the legacy of U Tirot Sing Syiem by standing up for the rights and identity of the indigenous people
SHILLONG, July 17: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Friday renewed its demand for a stringent law to regulate the influx of outsiders into Meghalaya and urged members of the Khasi community to honour the legacy of freedom fighter U Tirot Sing Syiem by standing up for the rights and identity of the indigenous people.
Addressing a gathering to mark the 191st death anniversary of U Tirot Sing, KSU president Raymond Kharjana said the state government must act with urgency to put in place an effective legal mechanism to check the influx of outsiders, asserting that the long-pending demand for implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) continues to remain in limbo.
“We have repeatedly taken up the ILP issue with the Chief Minister, but till today there is no effective law to regulate the unchecked entry of outsiders into the state,” he said.
Kharjana said the government must demonstrate greater responsibility as the Khasi community, being a small indigenous population, faces the risk of becoming a minority in its own land if adequate safeguards are not introduced.
He claimed there are already localities where Khasi residents no longer feel safe venturing out after dark or speaking their own language freely, saying such a situation should serve as a wake-up call for the community.
“It is time for every indigenous person to rise and protect our identity. If not now, then when? If not us, then who?” he said.
The KSU president also called upon Khasi employees and students to observe U Tirot Sing’s death anniversary with dignity by staying away from work or educational institutions if authorities fail to declare the day a holiday.
He said the union frequently receives requests to intervene whenever offices or educational institutions refuse to grant a holiday on the occasion, but asked why community members hesitate to take a stand themselves.
“Why should we be afraid of our superiors or employers on a day dedicated to one of our greatest freedom fighters? We must ask ourselves whether we are truly honouring the legacy that U Tirot Sing left behind,” Kharjana said.
He further urged the youth to show courage and be willing to make personal sacrifices to protect the land, identity and rights of the Khasi people, saying such commitment would be the greatest tribute to future generations.
Earlier in the day, floral tributes were paid and a minute’s silence observed at the statue of U Tirot Sing at Madan Iewrynghep.
The programme was attended by leaders of several pressure groups, including the FKJGP.
