SHILLONG: At a public meeting convened by the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) to express support for students protesting in Delhi, HYC President Roykupar Synrem voiced deep disappointment over the poor turnout of Khasi students and parents.
Addressing the gathering, Synrem said it was disheartening to see such limited participation at a program meant to highlight the far-reaching impact of the Delhi agitation.
He observed that while many attendees were from other communities who recognized the gravity of the issue, the indigenous Khasi community appeared largely indifferent.
Synrem emphasized that question paper leaks in competitive exams conducted in Delhi directly affect local youth as well.
He warned that any disruptions in the education sector impact students across Meghalaya, not just those from the plains.
Urging the Khasi community not to take these developments lightly, he reminded them that the agitation concerns the future of all students, regardless of background.
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Highlighting the crisis, the HYC chief recalled the tragic suicides of students affected by examination scandals and cautioned against remaining passive until such tragedies strike closer to home.
Synrem questioned what pressure groups could achieve without broader public support, pointing out that their advocacy for educational reform would be ineffective without collective responsibility from students and the community.
He also expressed concern that non-Khasi communities turned out in greater numbers to support the cause, criticizing the tendency of the public to engage only when crises directly impact them—such as unfavorable government policies or lack of local exam centers—while ignoring calls for unity and action at other times.
Synrem warned that failing to step up now would make it difficult to oppose detrimental central policies in the future, ultimately jeopardizing the educational prospects of the state’s youth.
(4FrontMedia news)
