In KSU, baton passed to new guards

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, Feb 11: Fiery speeches marked the handing of the baton from the old to the new guards of the influential Khasi Students' Union (KSU) during the farewell gathering at Dim Hall, Shillong on Saturday evening. Outgoing General Secretary of the KSU, Augustar Jyrwa said the Hynniewtrep race is facing a silent war in many formats that has been countered and will have to be countered in the days to come.

He illustrated the creeping silent invasion from outside that could pose a serious danger for the indigenous community if not attended. "We have to ensure that Political power, trade and commerce should slip out of our hands, our land should be protected and influx should be checked at all cost," stated Jyrwa while cautioning that the survival of the Hyyniewtrep race lies in these four aspects.

Outgoing president of the Khasi Students Union, Daniel Khyriem, "While fighting for inherited issues we had carried forward till this day where you will be taking over. Be courageous and brave".  He also said, "You may have to lose the pleasure of youthful days, you may have to lose sleep but remember that you have chosen to take the onus in yourself to protect and safeguard the interest of the indigenous community from any ravages that threaten us".

President desigted Lambok Marngar acknowledges the responsibilities lying ahead of him and the new executive committee (EC) but vow to never let down the previous leadership. "We are young as pillars and we will always look at your guidance to take our movement ahead", stated Marngar, adding, "We are ready to be called unlawful in any fight for a cause than to die with the killing pest and plaque."

Though, questions were raised on the charismatic aptitude of the upcoming young leadership, yet the articulation of the President desigted in his debut speech dispels it all. He was greeted with jubilation soon after concluding his address. The Sentinel has been tracking the KSU since 1996 where the upcoming leaders were groomed before taking the highest level in the hierarchy. Outgoing President Daniel Khyriem told The Sentinel, "We have done just that before we decided that the next line of members takes over from us."