From CK Nayak
NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Tuesday rejected any talks with pressure groups and said those who are protesting against the railway project in Khasi Hills should see how the same mode of transport has changed life in Mendipathar in Garo Hills.
Talking to The Shillong Times at Meghalaya House here, Sangma said issues like entry-exit points, checking of illegal migrants and safety of local people have all been looked into before the project was approved.
“Steps like Residents’ Safety and Security Bill to check influx of illegal immigrants into the State will be put in place before the commissioning of the railway lines,” he said, adding, “Only some vested interests with no ground support are resorting to violence that has caused losses to life and property.”
When asked whether he would meet the agitating KSU activists, he answered in negative saying the government has already taken the NGOs, civil societies and the locals into confidence before commissioning the project.
“It is not the government but some misguided youths who should see the logic,” he added.
Pointing out that setting up of entry and exit points is one of the components of the legislative measures, Sangma said those stoking violence should stop if they wanted talks because “my government will not tolerate violence and loss of life and public property”.