SHILLONG, DEC 11: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Thursday ramped up its protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), displaying black flags across several parts of Shillong in response to the call issued by the North East Students’ Organisation (NESO). The demonstration marked the region-wide observance of December 11 as a day of protest against the Act and the Centre’s alleged indifference to the concerns of indigenous communities.
Addressing the media at the KSU office, KSU President Lambokstarwell Marngar said the ongoing agitation reflects the collective resentment of the Northeastern states. He said NESO’s intensified protest was prompted by the Centre’s continued refusal to address long-standing demands, including the withdrawal of the CAA and the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya.
Marngar reiterated that the CAA poses a serious demographic threat to the indigenous populations of the Northeast, particularly in states like Meghalaya that share porous borders with Bangladesh. Citing Tripura as a cautionary example, he warned that unchecked migration could overwhelm local communities, echoing concerns also raised in Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
He further highlighted that Meghalaya has consistently recorded illegal entries along the Indo-Bangladesh border, with both the BSF and State police regularly apprehending undocumented migrants. He said that Meghalaya remains a key transit route for migrants attempting to enter other Northeastern states.
Reinforcing the Union’s long-standing demand for ILP, Marngar said the absence of this regulatory mechanism leaves Meghalaya exposed to continuous influx. Even states with ILP, such as Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur, still face risks — making ILP for Meghalaya even more urgent, he added.
The KSU President also expressed concern over broader governance issues, including weak law enforcement, delays in public welfare schemes, and challenges in the education sector. He reminded that in 2019, the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly had unanimously passed a resolution — supported by all 60 MLAs — demanding ILP, yet the Centre has not acted on it.
Marngar said citizens, especially the youth, continue to face administrative hurdles and delays that deprive them of their rights and opportunities. He urged the state government to take the matter seriously and act decisively to protect the interests of indigenous communities.
He also flagged rising criminal activities, illegal trade, and increasing public unrest, which he attributed to the absence of robust protective mechanisms like ILP and stronger enforcement of existing laws.
“The KSU is always ready to cooperate for the welfare of the state, but the government’s lack of seriousness is slowing progress,” Marngar remarked.
He added that the Union will continue to push for improvements in the education system, greater clarity on youth-focused policies, and more opportunities for Khasi–Jaintia youth in education, employment, and overall welfare.
