Shillong, March 4: The Khasi Students' Union (KSU) in Meghalaya today set out new priorities of the newly constituted central executive committee though opposition to uranium mining and laying of train tracks continue to figure on top of its agenda.
Outgoing KSU president Daniel Khyriem and outgoing general secretary Auguster Jyrwa led the newly elected office-bearers for 2017-2020 in taking oath on the KSU's constitution.
Spelling out the union's agenda today at the induction ceremony as well as felicitations of the outgoing leaders at U Soso Tham auditorium here today, newly-elected KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar vowed to pursue demands of the previous union, including implementation of a comprehensive mechanism to check influx.
"Though we are a young body, we will put all efforts to carry forward the union's agenda and get those implemented for the interest of all," Marngar, a post-graduate philosophy student in North Eastern Hill University (Nehu), said.
Lambasting the state government for failing to address the students' problems, especially that of the educated youths, Marngar pointed out the hurdles faced by them due to lack of employment opportunities, rising crimes, including drug addiction, that have ruined the careers of many a student.
Stating that the KSU's agenda is not a pre-election party manifesto promising to achieve a plethora of things in five years, Marngar said the students' union would continue to fight for issues concerning the youths in general and identity of the Khasi community in particular.
He said students' welfare, such as implementation of a good policy for the youths, setting up of educational institutes in the districts to provide quality education, quality healthcare services especially in the rural areas by making all health centres fully functional, would get priority.
Vowing to oppose uranium mining tooth and nail, the new KSU president said introduction of rail lines in Khasi hills would not be allowed until strong mechanisms are put in place to check unabated influx. He said the union would also pursue the pending inter-state boundary dispute with Assam for a permanent solution.
The KSU will also continue to persuade the Meghalaya government to prod the Centre on inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule, Marngar said.
Former home minister and vice-chancellor of Martin Luther Christian University Robert Garnette Lyngdoh, warned of self-seeking people's representatives with business interests who are least bothered about the well-being of the people.
Lyngdoh exhorted the KSU to join hands in the campaign against such individuals and enlighten people on important issues to bring about changes.
"We need to change the people's mindset as the state needs good people who can bring good governance with pro-people policies," the former minister said.
Others who spoke included North East Students' Organisation (Neso), chairman Samuel B. Jyrwa, Khyriem and Auguster Jyrwa, new general secretary Donald V. Thabah and former KSU vice-president Danny Khyriem.
The programme ended with the singing of Khasi patriotic song Ri Khasi Ri Khasi.
