Nongpoh, July 9: Tension erupted at the ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) office in Umiam on Thursday after members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) locked the office of the Director for allegedly refusing to observe the state-declared holiday on the occasion of Behdienkhlam.

According to the KSU, despite the Meghalaya Government declaring a public holiday for offices, banks, schools and educational institutions in honour of the Behdienkhlam festival in the Jaintia Hills, the ICAR office continued its normal functioning. The union said students and staff were asked to report to work as usual.

Members of the KSU Umiam Circle and Eastern Border Area Unit initially visited the ICAR office and requested the authorities to suspend operations and grant a holiday as a mark of respect for the important state festival. However, they alleged that the Director refused to cooperate and instead spoke aggressively to the union members, leading to a heated verbal confrontation.

As the situation escalated, KSU leaders from the North Khasi Hills District Unit, including Organising Secretary Baiashanlang Kharshonlor and Assistant Secretary Stevenson Kharkhrang, arrived at the office and again urged the Director to declare a holiday. The union claimed that the Director remained adamant and continued to reject their request, resulting in another intense exchange of words.

Following the confrontation, KSU members locked the Director’s office and asked him to vacate his chamber, insisting that institutions functioning within Meghalaya should respect the state’s officially declared holidays and significant cultural and religious observances.

No injuries were reported during the incident, and there was no immediate response from the ICAR authorities regarding the allegations made by the KSU.