KSU slams Pala for ‘railway job’ remark

NONGPOH: The Khasi Students’ Union on Friday said Shillong MP Vincent Pala’s comment that railways will create job opportunities for local youths was “baseless”.
Denouncing the statement, KSU North Khasi Hills president Ferdinald Kharkamni said the union would not tolerate such comments because “it feels that the railway line will create a gateway for non-tribals to enter the state without restrictions until the state implements the comprehensive mechanism to check influx”.
“Instead of talking about railways, the Shillong MP should have talked about the need to implement policies for farmers, youth, sports and education to name a few,” he added.
Kharkamni said if the government wanted to restart the project, it should have ensured that the inner line permit be implemented.
“KSU will not allow the railway line to be implemented in the state as before a comprehensive mechanism is put in place,” KSU central body president Lambokstarwell Marngar said in a press communiqué.
Pala said on Thursday he was for development, be it roads, railways or airports, since a good number of youths still do not have jobs.
Meanwhile, KSU also slammed the state government over delay in construction of the Umsning Bypass that has created inconvenience to daily commuters plying through NH-6.