SHILLONG: The people of Ronghona village are happy with the rail connectivity and they have welcomed the project, claimed Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner CP Gotmare. The Deputy Commissioner said on Sunday that during a visit to the project site, undertaken by him and the district SP, the villagers expressed shock and anger against the “illegal action by KSU” on Saturday.
“The village leaders expressed shock over the incident. They alleged that the KSU volunteers even damaged property belonging to the villagers,” Gotmare said.
The villagers also alleged that the KSU volunteers from outside the area are creating tension in the village, while the people of the area are happy with the railway connectivity and hence welcomed the project, Gotmare added.
According to the deputy commissioner, as per police sources, Ferdynald Kharkamni of NKHs Unit of KSU had mentioned that the illegal acts of arson and attack were carried out by KSU volunteers from outside Ri Bhoi district, especially those from Shillong, Jowai, Nongstoin and other areas.
“As the Central Body and NKHs Unit of KSU are contradicting each other, the matter will be thoroughly investigated and culprits will be identified from the available sources, so that appropriate action can be taken,” Gotmare said.
Earlier on Saturday, the office bearers of central Unit of KSU met the DC and SP and submitted that although they had directed KSU volunteers to carry out inspection at Byrnihat, they did not provide any direction for attacks.
“They had also given a written statement to the authorities that they will henceforth route all railway related matters through the District Administration and will maintain peace on the matter,” the Deputy Commissioner said.
NOC not required
An official source said on Sunday that since the land acquisition was carried out for Byrnihat rail project as per the old land acquisition Act of 1894, there is no need to get any NOC for the project from KHADC.
However, for the project from Byrnihat to Shillong, the new land acquisition clause was invoked and hence there is a need for NOC.
