Shillong: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) submitted a memorandum to Meghalaya Governor C. H. Vijayashankar on Wednesday, urging the Governor to intervene to address some of the pressing issues of the state.
The KSU highlighted seven critical issues that they believe must be addressed to promote the welfare and development of the Khasi people and the state.
The KSU, through the memorandum, demanded the implementation of the ILP system in Meghalaya, similar to other states in the Northeast region.
“The demand for the implementation of ILP in Meghalaya is a long-pending issue, which we started highlighting since 1985. The implementation of ILP is the solution to tackle unabated immigration in the state and protect the demographic balance of the indigenous population,” the union stated.
The KSU also expressed concern that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) would negatively impact the already fragile demographic balance in Meghalaya.
It urged Governor Vijayashankar to intervene for repealing the CAA in order to safeguard the indigenous communities of the state and the Northeast region from the growing threat of immigration, especially from Bangladesh irrespective of caste, community, or religion.
Besides, the union sought Meghalaya’s exemption from the purview of the Indo-Nepal Friendship Treaty 1950.
It argued that the treaty has led to a surge in the Nepali population, posing a threat to the Khasi tribal communities. “The immigrant Nepali community is creating problems in the bordering areas of Meghalaya challenging the indigenous tribal rights to their land and state,” it said.
The KSU further requested the Governor’s guidance in resolving the long-standing border dispute between Meghalaya and Assam. The students’ body advocated for the inclusion of disputed areas that fall under the jurisdiction of the Khasi chiefs within Meghalaya’s territory.
The union also highlighted the historical and cultural significance of the Khasi language. It urged the Governor to facilitate its inclusion in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution, granting it official recognition.
It stated that the inclusion of Khasi in the 8th Schedule is crucial for preserving and developing the language, especially in academic fields.
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The KSU emphasized the importance of agriculture in Meghalaya and requested the Governor’s support in establishing a permanent Central Agricultural University in the state.
The union expressed faith in the Governor’s commitment to address their concerns and fulfill the long-awaited aspirations of the Indigenous communities of the state.
