State ailing from ‘rail allergy’

SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said on Friday the topic on railways has turned into an “allergy” that everyone dislikes.
Addressing a gathering at the valedictory function of the two-day international seminar on ‘Cross-border connectivity and inclusive growth: Possibilities and challenges with special reference to North Eastern region’ at Shillong College here on Friday, the chief minister said, “When we talk about the issue of railways in Meghalaya, it becomes an allergy.”
 Reiterating the benefits of railways, Sangma said the parties who are opposing the project in East Khasi Hills should go to Mendipathar to witness how farmers are reaping the benefits of train service.
Pressure groups in the state are opposing the railway project fearing that it would lead to influx of immigrants.
However, the chief minister said the state already has legislations to deal with the issue.
“We have the Meghalaya Land Transfer Regulation Act, 1973, which bars people other than the tribes here to buy and sell land. This is one of the legislative measures that will help in mitigating the issue of influx and illegal immigration,” he added.
On cross-border connectivity, Sangma said political reasons stop the government from taking bold decision, thereby denying border areas the chance of inclusive growth.
“For a nation to prosper the state must prosper and in this aspect a multi-mode connectivity approach must be adopted for growth,” he added.
Earlier, Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh said education is a great weapon that will usher in change.