SHILLONG: The arrival of Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan in Meghalaya on Monday was marked by a peaceful demonstration by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), North Khasi Hills District Unit.
Members lined the roadside at Umiam as the Vice President’s motorcade passed, pressing the central government for the long-pending implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), the official inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, and urgent intervention to resolve persistent issues at NEIGRIHMS.
The protest coincided with the Vice President’s two-day visit to lay foundation stones for five major development projects totaling ₹1,010.95 crore. The infrastructure package includes:
New Shillong Water Supply Scheme, Phase II (Part A): ₹850.58 crore for 24×7 water supply to New Shillong City and 32 villages, featuring smart metering and integration with the Integrated Command and Control Centre.
Connectivity Upgrades: A ₹21.86 crore, 110-metre bridge over the Umngot River and a ₹56.01 crore, 13.5 km all-weather road connecting Umsen to Barapathar, improving access for over 34,000 residents and boosting eco-tourism.
Healthcare: A ₹10 crore, 30-bed AYUSH facility at Shillong Civil Hospital, offering traditional therapies.
Power: A ₹72.5 crore power project under PM-DevINE, including a new substation and transmission upgrades to support New Shillong City’s growth.
All projects are now in the tendering phase, signaling a major push for urban and regional development in Meghalaya. The KSU urged the central leadership to move beyond assurances and deliver concrete action on the state’s critical demands.
(4FrontMedia news)
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