SHILLONG: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Saturday organized a massive rally to observe Khasi National Awakening Day (Sngi Kyrsiew Ri). The procession commenced from Bharat Scouts and Guides, Laban, and proceeded through Last Stop, Kench’s Trace, and Bishnupur, before concluding at Madan Laban.
The event saw participation from leaders of various organizations including the FKJGP, HNYF, JSU, and NESO, alongside KSU members and officials. During the gathering, leaders revisited history and urged the community to remain vigilant against the threats facing their culture, traditions, and the Khasi people as a whole.
Addressing the crowd, KSU Central Body President Lambokstarwell Marngar reminded the public that this day holds a significant place in history. He noted that legendary leaders like U Tirot Sing and U Kiang Nongbah revolted against the British government even before Mahatma Gandhi had envisioned the movement for India’s independence. He expressed concern over the rising trend of historical misinformation and emphasized that the younger generation must be taught the truth.
Regarding the Inner Line Permit (ILP), Marngar accused both the Central and State governments of remaining silent despite the deep concerns expressed by the youth. He asserted that the KSU would not tire of awakening the youth and encouraged them to step forward to serve the community.
“The abundance of illegal immigrants in our land is terrifying, but what is even more dangerous is the division among our own people,” said Marngar.
He further condemned those who criticize union members or slap them with legal cases during “influx checks,” while the government ignores the plight of the indigenous people. He warned that if the community does not wake up now, they could face a fate similar to Assam and Tripura, where indigenous populations have been reduced to minorities.
Samuel Jyrwa, Chairman of the North East Students’ Organisation (NESO), stated that the KSU organized this grand rally to honor the 1829 uprising of U Syiem Tirot Sing against British rule.
The KSU has designated April 4 as ‘Khasi National Awakening Day’ since 1993, a day which also marks the adoption of the Union’s constitution. The day serves as a call to all Hynniewtrep people to be alert to the various challenges facing the nation.
“We, the various indigenous tribes of the Northeast, are minorities. The threat of influx from Bangladesh is very real,” Jyrwa added. “We have seen what happened in Tripura and parts of Assam, where hill tribes were overwhelmed by outsiders and became minorities in their own land. For us in Meghalaya, this threat is equally real. It is essential for us as a minority community to be vigilant against all developments, whether it concerns the border with Bangladesh or the constant influx of people.”
