Raphael Warjri

The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Wednesday evening held talks with the Meghalaya Government at the Meghalaya Secretariat in Shillong, weeks after the union’s protest rally on 19 August, 2026, which had led to heightened tensions between the organisation and the state authorities.

The KSU delegation was represented by Assistant General Secretary Pynshaiborlang Rani, former president Lambokstar Marngar, former general secretary Donald Thabah, and other representatives, while Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma chaired the meeting on behalf of the state government.

The dialogue focused on the KSU’s five-point charter of demands, with the union seeking concrete action from the government on issues concerning the protection of indigenous residents, regulation of influx and employment opportunities in the state.

Among the key demands is the immediate implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), 2016, along with the effective implementation of relevant laws and regulations aimed at curbing influx and regulating the presence of non-indigenous persons in the state.

The KSU has also demanded the cancellation of the 31 July public hearing conducted in connection with the Shree Cement project in East Jaintia Hills, besides seeking the cancellation of uranium-related activities in Meghalaya.

Another major issue raised by the union pertains to reforms in government recruitment, with the KSU pressing for a transparent and fair recruitment mechanism that safeguards employment opportunities for local youth.

The dialogue is being viewed as an attempt to resolve the issues through negotiations, with the KSU maintaining its position on the five demands.