No rly before VAB, say Ri Bhoi traditional heads

NONGPOH: Traditional heads in Ri Bhoi said on Monday they would not allow the railway project in the district before the implementation of the Village Administration Bill (VAB).
The local heads, under the banner of Dorbar ki Rangbah Shnong Ri Bhoi District (DRSRD), met on Monday at the Auditorium Hall of Umsning Town Durbar to discuss the present law and order in the district.
“The traditional heads of Ri Bhoi district are concerned about the unabated influx in the State as the government failed to implement the comprehensive mechanism to check illegal immigrants,” DRSRD Chairman Rocky Kylla said and added that the government has failed to curb illegal immigrants.
Kylla, who said several issues neglected by the government is a cause for worry, pointed out that after the High Court stripped traditional heads of power, “the government has taken no initiative”.
“We are more concerned about the security of indigenous people rather than development,” he said and added that the railway line would be of no use if the rights of the indigenous populace were not protected.
He further said the traditional heads of Ri Bhoi would not accept the railway line till the State Government implements VAB and a comprehensive mechanism to tackle influx.
The organisation also condemned the continuous raids for KSU members,
 “which have badly affected peace and harmony”.
DRSRD members will meet the deputy commissioner on Thursday over the district police’s high-handedness and “ludicrous behavior”.
“The police raided local residences without informing the Dorbar Shnong concerned,” said Kylla.