NPP’s Erwin Sutnga expresses concern over railway row

SHILLONG: National People’s Party (NPP) member from 17- North Shillong and advocate, Erwin K Sutnga has written an open letter to Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh expressing concern over the railway project in Byrnihat.
Sutnga, in the letter, said that the ongoing work has created unrest at a time when the State
is facing an economic crisis due to the continuing ban on mining, sale and transportation of coal.
“One of the key economic sectors that will be adversely affected by an atmosphere of insecurity will be the tourism sector which of late has created many employment opportunities for people; especially in Shillong, East and West Khasi Hills districts and other areas,” he said.
According to Sutnga, there is a serious concern that both tribal and non-tribal communities may get caught in the ongoing fight between the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) and the State Government on the railway issue.
He said the prevailing situation in the State should not to be taken lightly and the government should immediately initiate talks in the larger interest of peace and safety of the people of the State.