| TURA: The stand taken by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) against the proposed railway project in Khasi Hills apprehending further influx of outsiders has been backed by another Garo Hills organization which has vowed to extend full support to the union.
The A’chik Youth Welfare Organization (AYWO) in a statement issued here on Tuesday warned that high handedness on the part of the government over the issue would serve as an open provocation which will pave the way for serious law and order problem in the state. “The current confrontation between the KSU and state government could have been averted if its earlier stand to speed up formulation of a strong mechanism had been kept rather than resorting to lip service. KSU are fighting for the cause and their area of concern needs to be addressed through consultations’ and dialogue. AYWO as a member organization of 13 Pressure Groups fighting for ILP and comprehensive mechanism since 2011 to check influx, stands by KSU and its apprehension towards Railway in Khasi Hills and will extend our support in every possible way,” it said. The organization also said that it was sincerely looking forward to the assurance given to the 13 organizations by Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma during a meeting held at secretariat on July 19 to start the facilitation centre at Mendipather railway station to check the inflow of outsiders to Garo Hills. “The Chief Minister must stick to his words and proceed with all the necessary ground work and preparations’ for setting up the same. We genuinely hope that the assurance is given in good faith and that the facilitation centre is set up at Mendipathar Railway Station soon,” the organization added. On the assurance for implementation of Meghalaya (Benami Transaction Prohibition) Act 2016 and Meghalaya Residents’ Safety and Security Act, the AYWO said that it would wait and watch whether the promises given by the State Government is fulfilled before August 15. It urged that the government issues directions by making strict rules and regulation for all deputy commissioners’ office and the concerned department to constitute the District Task Force as mandated under Section 5 (1) of Meghalaya Residents’ Safety and Security Act and Section 4(1) of Meghalaya (Benami Transaction Prohibition) Act 2016. The association also sought initiation of sensitization programs for all the stake holders and local authorities so as to equip them with better understanding of the whole exercise. |
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