Nongpoh, August 24: Members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Nongpoh Circle, on Monday distributed leaflets among the public in Nongpoh town, Ri Bhoi district, explaining the union’s demands and its decision to launch an agitation against the NPP-led Meghalaya Government headed by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
During interactions with the public, several residents expressed their views on the ongoing situation and the KSU’s agitation.
A woman shopkeeper at Nongpoh Iew, while speaking with KSU members, questioned the decision to send KSU leaders to detention centres in Williamnagar and Tura. She questioned whether the jails in the Khasi Hills had become overcrowded and also referred to the case of former KSU leader Bull Lyngdoh, expressing concern over the treatment of leaders during earlier periods of agitation.
The KSU said that during its interaction with residents, many people in Ri Bhoi expressed support for the organisation. Some residents reportedly said that without the KSU, ordinary people would have fewer avenues to raise their concerns, describing the union as an organisation that has consistently come forward to assist and speak up for the people of the Hynniewtrep region.
According to the Nongpoh Circle, the leaflet distribution campaign was organised to help the public better understand the issues and demands raised by the KSU. The union maintained that these demands concern matters affecting society and the indigenous community and therefore need to be addressed while there is still time.
The KSU further claimed that many people in the State may not fully understand the significance of the issues it has raised before the Government. It said the demands were not intended to serve the interests of KSU members but were based on issues that, if addressed by the Government, could contribute to the safety, welfare and peace of the people across Meghalaya.
The union also expressed concern over attempts by some sections of the public, particularly young people, to criticise fellow indigenous people and KSU leaders instead of understanding the issues being raised.
The leaflet distribution formed part of the KSU’s wider effort to mobilise public opinion and explain the issues behind its ongoing agitation against the State Government.
