Editor,
Apropos the letter, “Why the KSU opposes the railways,” by Bajop Pyngrope (ST June 12th 2012),I would like to state that I totally disagree with Bajop’s views. For many years the KSU has been responsible for many noble deeds in their mission of safeguarding the indigenous people‘s interests. Applaud. But when it comes to this particular issue of the railways we should be practical and prudent. Look at it from the perspective that ‘influx‘ has been a problem even before the railways (not that illegal migrants will come on the trains) As a matter of fact checking of influx is more practical through railways as we have a common or a single platform where the concerned authorities can check the citizenship papers of all travelers . And yes prices of essential commodities will go down. Influx is a problem but inflation is a greater problem affecting those with meager earnings. Transportation of all kinds of goods by trucks has resulted in price hike every time the price of petrol and diesel is hiked, not to speak of the abominable traffic jams and the pollution they cause.
The KSU should instead urge the government to set up an effective mechanism to check influx. Social development comes with economic development. How do you expect our people to progress and achieve happiness if we are devoid of basic things like cheap transport and lower prices of essential commodities? Where are the opportunities for trade and commerce? The problem with us is we talk too much but do not act.
Yours etc.,
K.R Shullai.
BA 3rd year(Economics)
St.Edmund’s College.
