NFR gets KSU warning for resuming rail work

SHILLONG: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has warned the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) against continuing the Tetelia-Byrnihat railway project work before the state comes up with measures to tackle influx of illegal immigrants.
In a statement issued here on Sunday, general secretary of KSU Donald Thabah said the state government should take action against NFR if it resumes work.
KSU and other pressure groups are demanding comprehensive mechanisms to check immigration.
The work on the Tetelia-Byrnihat railway project in Ri Bhoi resumed recently months after it was stalled due to stiff opposition by pressure groups.
The railways is planning to finish the project by next year. However, work on the Byrnihat-Shillong stretch of the railway line is stuck due to land issues, an official said.
The railways is contemplating connecting all the eight states in the North East by 2020. Its ‘Mission 2020’ will be strictly implemented within the stipulated timeframe.
The 21.5-km Tetelia-Byrnihat rail line is estimated to be completed at a cost of around Rs 385 crore.