Shillong, Sept 4: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) is back on warpath.
The Union has warned the state government of resuming full-fledged protests if it fails to act on its five demands and arrest those behind the attack on protesters during the Shree Cement plant public hearing.
The warning came after a high-level Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting held at the KSU office in Shillong to review the outcome of talks held with the government on August 26 at the Secretariat.
“The CEC has resolved to follow up on the five issues assured by the government in the coming weeks,” the KSU said in a statement after the meeting.
At the top of the list are two key assurances the government had given on paper.
First, setting up of entry-exit facilitation centres at Umling in Ri-Bhoi and Ratacherra in East Jaintia Hills to check influx. Second, strict implementation of the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979 to regulate migrant labourers entering the state.
The government, according to KSU, had sought 20 days to act on both.
“That deadline is ticking. We are watching,” a senior KSU leader said.
The other demands include action against persons involved in the assault on KSU members and villagers who were protesting during the public hearing for the Shree Cement plant expansion in East Jaintia Hills. The Union wants immediate arrest and prosecution.
But what has angered the Union most is the alleged witch-hunt.
KSU alleged that instead of acting against the attackers, police are filing cases against its own leaders almost daily.
“The Union expressed anger over filing of cases against our leaders almost daily and especially the harassment that continues,” the statement said.
KSU said if cases are not withdrawn and its demands are not met within the promised time; it will be forced to hit the streets again across the state.
The ball is now in the government’s court.
