Parties blame Govt for Byrnihat railway unrest

SHILLONG: In regard to the ongoing railway havoc in Byrnihat, Ri Bhoi, KHADC CEM P.N Syiem stated that the executive committee of the KHADC will discuss the matter relating to the NOC for railways.
Syiem added that the NOC was not issued for the railway project. “As long as they are under Sixth Schedule, they need NOC,” he said.
He further added that the State Government should adopt strong measures to tackle influx.
The HSPDP has expressed its concern on the establishment of railway lines in the state and the violence that ensued from the setting up of proposed railway lines.
In a statement to the press, Chairman of the media cell of the party, Londoner M. Sohtun said that the State Government should implement suitable mechanisms to curb influx before going ahead with the proposed railway project.
He added that the HSPDP opposed passenger’s train but welcomes good’s train only if the State Government brings in suitable mechanism.
“The State Government did not listen to the MLAs and the NGOs who were opposing railway projects,” Sohtun said.
Stating that the regional political party is not opposed to development in the state, he said that the party will stand against influx.
The KHNAM has condemned the MUA-II for being silent over the railway issue as there were demands from several quarters to bring in suitable mechanism before implementing railway project.
In a statement to the press, working president of KHNAM, Adelbert Nongrum criticised the remarks of Minister of state, Railways, R Gohain that railways will not affect the state with regard to influx.
He demanded that the railway project should be scrapped unless measures are realised to tackle immigration and to release the accused who were arrested during the law and order problem at Byrnihat.
Referring to the role of KHADC, he said that even the NOC was not sought from the KHADC for implementing the railway project.
“The KHADC should not remain a mute spectator to the developments taking place with regard to the railway project.” Nongrum said.