Shillong, Aug 22: Khasi Students Union (KSU), whose political wing is an ally of the Meghalaya democratic alliance government, today urged the governor not to give his ascent to the proposed ordinance banning bandh and hartal in the state even as a 18-hour strike was underway in some parts of west Khasi hills. "We have urged Governor M M Jois not to sign the ordinance the government is proposing to bring to ban bandhs and hartals because it will trample the democratic rights of the people," KSU President Samuel Jyrwa said. The KSU, parent body of the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM), an ally of the ruling MDA regime, also urged the government to review its decision.
If the ordinance was passed, Meghalaya would not have a 'democratic rule' but 'dictatorship', he said. KSU's demand came a day after Khnam President and Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Paul Lyngdoh expressed his party's strong resentment over the government move.

Lyngdoh also abstained from the Cabinet meeting on August 20 when such a decision was taken, he told reporters.

Bureau Report