By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Toeing the line of several NGOs, UDP on Saturday said it is against the proposed move to bring Shillong under the country’s rail map.
“We are very clear on this issue. The party would not allow the extension of railway line upto Shillong,” said UDP working president Bindo M Lanong.
Lalong was addressing a meeting of the party workers here on Saturday.
It may be mentioned that fearing large scale influx of people several NGOs, including KSU, have been opposing introduction of railway line in the State.
Stating that at present the city is already congested, Lanong said, “The coming of the railway line would add to traffic woes.” The senior politician said his party would welcome the introduction of goods train till Ri-Bhoi district provided “people of the State give their consent to it.”
On the proposed railway line in Jaintia Hills, he said, “It is for the people of Jaintia Hills to decide.”
The Centre has proposed to connect Lanka in Karbi Anglong district of Assam with Sutnga in West Jaintia Hills district.
Speaking on the occasion, another UDP working president Paul Lyngdoh expressed concern over the problem of influx in the state. Stating that a serious threat is being posed by influx in the state, Lyngdoh referred to the violence which broke out between indigenous Bodos and alleged illegal migrants in Assam.