By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has urged the Centre to speed up the Meghalaya–Assam border talks and play a stronger coordinating role in the process.
The appeal was made through a memorandum submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to the Northeast. In the document, the organisation acknowledged the Centre’s involvement in resolving the first set of six disputed areas between the two states.
KSU further suggested that the Ministry of Home Affairs should remain actively involved as the main facilitator and help speed up the second phase of discussions being carried out by joint regional committees.
Describing the unresolved six disputed pockets as sensitive zones, the student body said these areas often witness tensions that disrupt daily life, local livelihoods and development work.
It also alleged that actions from the Assam side have, at times, contributed to unrest.
The organisation also called for restraint from Assam, stating that peace must be maintained until a final resolution is reached.
The memorandum was submitted a day after Meghalaya and Assam reached an understanding on June 3, allowing cultivation activities in selected portions of the disputed Lapangap area, while the question of final boundary demarcation has been referred to a higher-level committee.
Separately, KSU renewed its demand for the Inner Line Permit system in Meghalaya, arguing that unchecked migration has altered the demographic balance and poses a risk to indigenous tribal communities.
Concerns were also raised about population movement into Meghalaya following eviction drives in Assam and West Bengal, with the organisation stating that the state does not have sufficient systems in place to manage entry and settlement.
It warned that such trends could affect the demographic balance and the interests of indigenous tribal communities.
Separately, the organisation reiterated its long-standing demand for the inclusion of Khasi in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.