Decision to halt cement plant works in EJ Hills welcomed
Shillong, Aug 26: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has welcomed the government decision to works related to a cement plant following a discussion with the Union even as it set a two-month deadline to fulfill two key demands – operationalise Umling facilitation centre and strengthen Migrant Workers Act.
Scrapping of the Shree Cement public hearing and suspension of East Jaintia Hills DC and SP were among the Union’s demands during its discussion with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on its five-point demands.
The government agreed to form an Independent Enquiry Committee, without the DC and the SP, and with local stakeholders, said former KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar after the meeting.
He said the Union expects the government would ensure suspension of Shree Cement works, as announced, till the committee files its report.
On MRSSA 2016 and entry-exit points, Marngar said the Union knows the 2020 amendment has gone from the Governor to the Centre for clarification and that the court has already dismissed the petition against the 2016 Act.
He said 18 entry points were identified in 2016 but none are fully functional. While Umling was inaugurated in 2019, it became a Covid checking centre and later a food court (proposed).
“The CM admitted and promised joint inspection at Umling and said it will start immediately. Within two months it should be made functional,” Marngar said.
For Ratacherra in East Jaintia Hills, he said landowners had refused to part with betel nut cultivation land and the CM has assured to find land in 3-4 months.
On the Meghalaya Identification, Registration, Safety and Security of Migrant Workers Act 2020, Marngar said KSU had flagged it as weak and had asked the government to bring in Work Permit-like provisions.
“We suggested police verification and penalty clauses be incorporated to strengthen it. The cabinet has now approved it and the government said within 15 days it will be fully implemented,” he said.
On NEIGRIHMS, Marngar said the CM has forwarded KSU’s recommendation to the Union Minister and assured to arrange a face-to-face meeting to flag irregularities.
On MPSC and DSC recruitment, he said the government has confirmed interview has been abolished for Group C and that nearly 70% of the 23 reforms suggested by the 2024 Reform Committee for MPSC have been implemented.
On the demand for release of arrested KSU leaders, Marngar said, “We do not demand their release. If there is agitation, arrests will happen. We leave it to the wisdom of the government and continue to fight on the issues.”
