SHILLONG, AUG 26: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Wednesday welcomed the government’s decision to order an independent probe into the Shree Cement public hearing but warned it will resume agitation if construction continues.
Former KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar said the union’s core demand remains scrapping of the hearing and action against officials.
“Our first demand is to scrap the public hearing and suspend the DC and SP of that district,” he said after meeting Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on the five-point charter.
He said the government has agreed to set up a committee headed by independent persons, excluding the DC and SP, with local stakeholders included to examine agricultural land concerns and alleged violations.
The union has demanded a total freeze on the project till the report is out.”We insisted that attempts to start Shree Cement should be totally stopped till the report is completed. We believe the government will keep its promise, but if work goes ahead, we too will do whatever is necessary,” Marngar said.
On MRSSA 2016, he said KSU was informed the 2020 amendment is pending with the Centre for clarification and the court has dismissed a challenge to the Act. He said of 18 entry gates identified in 2016, priority ones must be built immediately.
On Umling, Marngar said the centre inaugurated in 2019 became a Covid checkpoint and later a food court, forcing KSU to stop work. The CM has now assured a joint inspection and immediate restart.
“Within 2 months it should be made functional,” he said, adding that land for Ratacherra in East Jaintia Hills will be acquired in 3-4 months after earlier land was denied by betel nut farmers.
On the 2020 Migrant Workers Act, he said KSU had flagged weak provisions and suggested strong police verification and penalty clauses from the Work Permit system. The cabinet has now approved strengthening, to be implemented in 15 days.
On NEIGRIHMS, he said the state will facilitate a meeting with the Union Health Minister, while on MPSC reforms, nearly 70 percent of 23 reforms suggested by the 2024 committee have been implemented with Group C interviews abolished.
On arrested leaders, he said, “We do not demand their release. If there is agitation, there will be arrests. We continue to fight on the issues.”
