Shillong, April 4: Thousands participated in a rally organized by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) at Khliehriat in East Jaintia Hills on Friday to observe Khasi National Awakening Day.

Speaking at a public meeting following the rally, KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar issued a stern warning to the state government against proceeding with any railway project in the district without first establishing a robust anti-influx mechanism.

Marngar recalled the events of 2017, when KSU had forcibly halted railway construction at Byrnihat, accusing the government of attempting to impose the project without addressing local concerns.

Commenting on the government’s recent move to form an All Party Committee to gather stakeholders’ views on the railway issue, Marngar remarked, “We advise the government to expand its district jails because we are ready to face imprisonment if there is any attempt to bulldoze the railway line into this part of the state.”

He added, “It is our responsibility to defend and protect our land. We also urge those among our own community who betray our cause to reflect and change before it’s too late.”

Marngar called for unity among the public and appealed for their continued support in opposing the railway project unless proper protective measures are introduced.

The KSU leader also criticized the central government for delaying the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya and the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

He concluded by stating, “The root cause of insurgency in the region is the Centre’s step-motherly attitude. This neglect has pushed many youth toward radical actions, including armed rebellion.”

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