Shillong, Mar 11: The meeting between the state government and the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) to discuss the Meghalaya State Investment Promotion & Facilitation Act, 2024 ended in a stalemate on Tuesday evening.

During the discussion, the government was led by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and the KSU by its president Lambokstarwell Marngar and Thabah.

“The meeting was a standoff because we were objecting to many sections of the act whereas the Chief Minister and the government explained to us that the reason behind the act will not give absolute power to the governing council or the government. It will be people friendly,” KSU general secretary, Donald V Thabah said.

Thabah said that the government should build confidence in the people even as he added that the latter is assuring the KSU only verbally there will be further amendments to the Act during the Winter Session of the Assembly and apart from that the rules will be framed according to the demands of the KSU.

“The government told us that they will invite all stakeholders before framing the rules and amending the Act,” the KSU general secretary said.

According to him, the student body told the government that they were sure that this act would not be beneficial for the local people.

The KSU also said that the assurance of the government made verbally cannot be accepted by them and it is imperative for the government to make the act people-friendly otherwise if it remains as it is it should be scrapped immediately.

Thabah also said that it is important for the other tribal legislators to speak on behalf of the people when it is being introduced in the Assembly.

Earlier in the day members of the KSU tried to march to the state Assembly when the Budget Session was on.

But they were prevented and stopped at the Garrison bridge.