Meghalaya and KSU reach truce over cement project and border issues

The Meghalaya government and the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) have reached a truce following weeks of agitation. Key concessions include freezing all activity at the controversial Shree Cement project in East Jaintia Hills pending an independent probe. The government also committed to operationalizing facilitation centres at Umling and Ratachera by late 2024 to enforce the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) and promised to implement digital police verification for migrant workers.

Separately, the Assam and Meghalaya governments held high-level meetings in Shillong to address border tensions and ensure the safe, unhindered movement of vehicles and people. These discussions involved transport organizations from both states and aimed to resolve grievances regarding police checking and parking facilities, particularly for tourist taxis.

Meanwhile, tensions recently flared in the disputed Langpih area when Assam authorities attempted to conduct census enumeration without prior notification to Meghalaya, leading to confrontations between villagers and officials. While the situation has since been reported as normal, the incident highlights ongoing administrative disputes over territorial jurisdiction along the border.