SHILLONG, July 28: Not just the pressure groups, the People’s Democratic Front (PDF), which is a constituent of ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance, also stands opposed to railway projects in the state.
PDF president Banteidor Lyngdoh said the reason behind its opposition is the absence of a mechanism to protect the people of the state from illegal immigrants.
“Until and unless we have the best mechanism to protect us from influx, it is difficult. That is why we are against having railways in the state,” he said.
The party opposes the movement of even goods train with Lyngdoh stating “whether goods or passengers train, it is a train.”
The PDF’s stance on the issue is different from that of National People’s Party (NPP) national president and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
The CM favours the introduction of goods train services till Byrnihat in Ri Bhoi. He cited the economic dividends reaped by the people of Garo Hills after the introduction of railways in the region.
Sangma had stated that the state government would engage with all stakeholders to find a way forward for the introduction of goods train till Byrnihat in Khasi Hills region.
The pressure groups here are opposed to the construction of the 20.5-km-long Tetelia-Byrnihat railway line. They want a foolproof mechanism to check the influx of illegal immigrants first.
The pressure groups have already made it amply clear that they will not sit for any discussions on the issue unless a mechanism to check influx is put in place.
During his recent visit to the state, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameswar Teli had disclosed that the Centre’s proposal to connect Shillong with the railway network was reviewed and discussions were held to speed up the process of conducting surveys.
He had stated that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s desire to see wider railway connectivity in Meghalaya.
No idea if 2 MLAs jumping ship
Lyngdoh said whether or not the two PDF legislators will jump ship will be clear by August.
“We have heard about it but we have not got any intimation from them,” he said.
There are reports that Cabinet Minister Hamletson Dohling and Umsning legislator Jason Sawkmie Mawlong are likely to quit the party and contest the 2023 elections from the NPP.
Lyngdoh said the party sent notices to the duo to know their position. He claimed he received feelers from some parties to join them but he was determined to contest from the PDF.
The PDF chief is confident that the party is headed in the right direction. The PDF is devoid of any controversy and Lyngdoh believed this will help the party better its results in next year’s Assembly elections.
On the call for the unification of regional parties, he said, “It is very difficult as elections are round the corner. Also, there are constituencies where both United Democratic Party and PDF are equally strong.”
He ruled out pre-poll alliance with any regional parties.
On the charges of corruption and misgovernance against the government, he said, “It will not affect our party as our MLAs and ministers are doing their job well. We are just a part of the government and people know who is leading the government.”
