SHILLONG: UDP president Donkupar Roy has stressed on the need for a debate on the merits and the demerits of the proposed railway project in the State.
Talking to media persons here on Wednesday, Roy said, “The NGOs’ apprehension is a matter of concern and the State Government should immediately find solutions to address the concerns. We need the railways but if we are not prepared, then it will not be seen as something which will benefit the State.”
The leader of the Opposition said the railway would lead to migration into Meghalaya, which is “surrounded by neighbouring states and countries which are facing the problem of poverty”.
Roy urged the government to democratically solve the problem as “confrontation over the issue will not help”.
Roy’s statement gains significance because the State in the last one month has seen violence over the proposed railway project in Byrnihat that was halted after a group of KSU members attacked the construction site on May 27.
The government has refused to come to the talks table till KSU abjures violence.
Pressure groups like KSU, FKJGP, HNYF, RBYF and HYC have been demanding that the government put on hold the project in the absence of effective anti-influx mechanisms in place.
