Shillong, August 26: Former Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) president Lambokstarwell Marngar has welcomed the talks between the State Government and the KSU on the five issues raised by the union, describing the meeting as a positive development.

However, he stressed that the success of the dialogue would ultimately depend on the sincere implementation of the decisions taken rather than assurances alone.

On the Shree Cement issue, Marngar said the KSU had demanded cancellation of the public hearing over alleged procedural irregularities, restrictions on public participation and inadequate consideration of the concerns of local residents.

He said the Government’s decision to temporarily halt all activities of the company and constitute a fact-finding committee was significant. However, he pointed out that maintaining the status quo did not amount to cancellation of the public hearing, which was the union’s demand.

Marngar urged the Government to ensure that the fact-finding committee is impartial and independent of the district administration. He said the inquiry should comprehensively examine the procedures followed during the public hearing, the extent of public participation, environmental concerns and the incidents reported on the day of the hearing.

Beyond the Shree Cement issue, he said the Government must take concrete action on the other matters raised by the KSU, including full implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), recruitment reforms, measures to regulate unchecked influx and protection of the rights of indigenous people.

“The dialogue is only the beginning. The Government must implement the decisions within a reasonable timeframe and demonstrate its sincerity through action,” Marngar said.

He added that the KSU and the public would continue to closely monitor the Government’s response, particularly the inquiry into the Shree Cement public hearing and the findings of the fact-finding committee.