Railway Project started without public hearing alleges HYC

SHILLONG: In line with other pressure groups of the State, the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has also asked the State Government to put the ongoing railway project on halt sans proper mechanism to check influx.
Talking to newsmen here on Friday, HYC, general secretary, Robert June Kharjahrin said that Chief Minister Mukul Sangma is acting adamantly by not calling the pressure groups for talks on the matter.
The Council had earlier submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister demanding the immediate halt of the Railway project in Ri-Bhoi.
The pressure group reiterated that the government should not think of introducing railway in Meghalaya before implementing proper mechanism to check influx like the Inner Line Permit (ILP).
“Chief Minister has said that (he would not talk with the Khasi Student Union (KSU) as long as they are indulging in violent activities, however we as a Council have not engaged in any illegal activities then why are we not invited for talks.” Kharjahrin said.
While asking the government to invite all the anti-railway pressure groups including the KSU for talks, the HYC leader alleged that the government has not conducted public hearing before going ahead with the railways in the State.
Meanwhile, the NGO has also asked the Home Minister, HDR Lyngdoh to direct the police to stop hunting for KSU leaders.