Shillong: In an effort to ease the prevailing friction and growing tensions across Meghalaya, political and regional bodies have stepped forward to advocate for dialogue and restraint. The United Democratic Party (UDP) State Youth Wing along with the Hynniewtrep Achik National Movement (HANM) have jointly appealed to the state government to consider the release of the three arrested Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) leaders. Both organisations emphasised that maintaining peace requires open communication channels rather than prolonged confrontation and strict administrative clampdowns.
Condemning Violence and Questioning Police Action
UDP State Youth Wing chief youth organiser Auguster Jyrwa strongly condemned the violence that marred the recent KSU rally, asserting that those responsible for disrupting public order must be held accountable. At the same time, Jyrwa raised pointed questions regarding the police operation at the KSU office following the detention of the student body's senior leaders. He highlighted that the union’s office is located in a densely populated residential zone and in close proximity to a hospital, demanding clarity on the justification behind deploying tear gas during the raid.
Advocating Dialogue and Addressing Interstate Concerns
Stressing that discussions with student representatives are vital, Jyrwa urged the administration to foster conditions conducive to the release of the detained leaders to restore normalcy. The UDP youth wing also drew attention to reports concerning Meghalaya-registered vehicles being stopped at Jorabat in Assam, alongside alleged threats directed at Meghalaya students residing in the neighboring state. The faction called upon the government to take proactive measures to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
HANM Backs KSU Demands and Urges Restraint
Echoing similar sentiments, HANM president Lamphrang Kharbani denounced the violence, including reported assaults targeting the KSU office, pedestrians, and vehicles carrying Assam license plates. He maintained that the core grievances highlighted by the student union warrant serious government attention and cannot be resolved merely through arrests. Kharbani voiced support for several key KSU demands, such as addressing concerns surrounding the Shree Cement public hearing in East Jaintia Hills, ensuring accountability for alleged police overreach, implementing the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016, and strictly enforcing regulations governing migrant workers.
Impact on Livelihoods and Tourism
The organisation also backed demands focused on recruitment reforms, job reservations for locals, hiring discrepancies at NEIGRIHMS, and the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), according to a report. Amid ongoing friction between Meghalaya and Assam, Kharbani appealed to residents on both sides of the border to exercise restraint and safeguard their historical ties. He cautioned that prolonged disruptions could severely damage Meghalaya’s tourism sector and jeopardize the livelihoods of thousands of local families, calling for an immediate and peaceful resolution.
