Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday, 25 August confirmed that the state government has formally invited the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) for dialogue on its five-point agenda, while making clear that legal proceedings against arrested members of the outfit will continue uninterrupted. The development comes in the wake of the 19 August violence in Shillong that rattled the state.

Government's Outreach to KSU

Speaking to reporters, Sangma said the government had officially communicated with the KSU and was awaiting a response by Monday evening or Tuesday. 'We will discuss all five agendas and the points,' he said, adding that several of the organisation's concerns were already being addressed by the administration.

Responding to allegations that the government had been unresponsive to KSU's demands, Sangma attributed the friction largely to a communication gap. He said the government would clarify its position on all outstanding issues during a joint meeting with KSU representatives.

Legal Proceedings to Run Their Course

On the KSU's demand for the release of arrested leaders and the withdrawal of MMPO/MPDA provisions invoked against them, Sangma was unequivocal. 'The law will take its own course,' he said, stressing that governance cannot be altered on account of any particular organisation or individual. The Chief Minister reiterated that the administration had been responding to demands from various groups wherever action was within its remit.

Investigation into August 19 Violence

Sangma said he would review the latest status of the investigation into the 19 August violence, but noted that authorities had already identified five masked miscreants and initiated action against them. He said further steps would be taken to bring all those responsible for triggering the violence to justice.

Rally Rules and Intelligence Failure Allegations

Asked about tightening rules for rallies and processions, the Chief Minister said the government would strengthen existing terms and conditions imposed while granting permission for such events. Rejecting allegations of an intelligence failure during the bike rally, Sangma said personnel had been deployed across different routes but faced difficulties given the scale and geographical spread of the incidents.

He said the administration had proceeded on the understanding that the rally would remain peaceful, based on assurances received beforehand. Sangma described the conduct and scale of violence as unprecedented, noting that even members of the public were shocked. He maintained that while authorities were aware of the situation, they were caught off guard by the magnitude and sudden escalation.