Shillong, August 19: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Wednesday intensified its agitation against the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) Government by staging a protest and putting up banners outside the main entrance gates of the Meghalaya Secretariat in Shillong.

The protest came after the expiry of the Union’s 15-day ultimatum to the State Government on August 18. During the period of the ultimatum, the KSU said it had conducted public awareness campaigns across the Khasi-Jaiñtia region on issues concerning governance, employment and the rights of indigenous people.

Through its banner campaign, the KSU accused the MDA Government of corruption, nepotism, unemployment and lack of transparency in governance.

The Union alleged that deserving candidates who work hard and qualify for government posts are being denied employment opportunities, while jobs are allegedly being secured by individuals with money or political and personal connections.

The KSU demanded a clean, fair and transparent recruitment system, while appealing to the public to support its campaign against corruption and favouritism in government appointments.

The Union also accused the Government of failing to effectively address the alleged influx of outsiders and expressed concern over the safety and security of Meghalaya’s indigenous residents.

On the issue of government contracts, the KSU raised concerns over the alleged exclusion of local contractors. It claimed that contracts meant for Meghalaya residents were being awarded to outside companies allegedly capable of influencing officials within the Secretariat.

The Union further highlighted the problems faced by residents living along Meghalaya’s interstate border areas, alleging that the Government had failed to adequately address their grievances and provide sufficient protection and assistance.

Warning of political repercussions, the KSU said that unemployed youths, local contractors and residents of border areas would remember the Government’s alleged failures when they cast their votes.

During the protest, KSU members marched towards the Secretariat, raised slogans against the Government and displayed banners near the entry and exit gates. Police personnel were deployed at the premises to maintain security and safeguard the Secretariat complex, which houses the offices of ministers and senior government officials.

The banner campaign is part of the KSU’s continuing agitation against the MDA Government over alleged corruption, recruitment irregularities, unemployment, influx, lack of opportunities for local contractors and the welfare and security of people living along Meghalaya’s interstate borders.