By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 9: The state government’s proposal to divert the railway project from Shillong to Khliehriat has been met with stiff resistance from pressure groups who have made it clear that they will not allow the railway project in Meghalaya without any special protection for the indigenous population.
Just days after Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma announced the government’s decision to conduct a study for exploring the possibility of bringing the railway line to Khliehriat, the district headquarter of East Jaintia Hills, four pressure groups — Khasi Students’ Union, Hynniewtrep Youth Council, Jaintia Student’s Union and Jaintia Students’ Movement — toughened their stand and said they would allow railways in East Jaintia Hills only if the inner line permit (ILP) was granted to prevent influx.
Reacting to the hostility against the rail project, the UDP on Sunday observed that though railways are necessary for the Northeastern states the distrust should be thrashed out by taking everyone on board.
“When we talk about railways, it is very important for all the states in the country especially the NE states but the apprehension in the state is that the issue of illegal infiltration and influx has not been addressed by the government properly,” UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh said.
He said that if the government addresses the pertinent issue of the state, which is the demand for ILP, eventually the people of the state will accept the railway project.
“As far as connectivity is concerned, whether it is airways or railways, passenger or goods train, you need to take all stakeholders into consideration and thrash out all issues by addressing all pros and cons,” he said.
Kyrmen ready to facilitate talks with stakeholders
Cabinet Minister and Khliehriat MLA, Kyrmen Shylla on Sunday said he was ready to take the lead to facilitate a dialogue on the proposed railway project in Khliehriat.
Shylla told The Shillong Times that he will take on board Sutnga-Saipung MLA, Santa Mary Shylla in his efforts to reach out to the various stakeholders and pressure groups to understand their point of view on this proposal which is still at a nascent stage.
Informing that he had a discussion with Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma on the matter, the Khliehriat MLA said he was told by the CM that the proposal was to introduce goods train in the district.
“There are both positives and negatives to any issue. However, what is important is to find out if the merits outweigh the demerits or vice versa,” Shylla said.
According to him, introduction of good trains will benefit the people by bringing down the price of the essential commodities and also boost business.
He also disclosed that he had met prominent citizens and members of different groups on the railway proposal and most of them agree that railways will benefit the district in many ways.
“But they will need to sit as a group to take a collective decision on whether to support or oppose this project,” Shylla said.
He, however, made it amply clear that the government will take everyone on board before going ahead with the proposal.
Earlier, the chief minister had stated that the Centre may soon abandon the idea of connecting Shillong with railways.
Sangma had said that the central government would not wait too long and there is every possibility of the Shillong project being cancelled.
Pointing out that the railway projects in Ri-Bhoi and East Khasi Hills have been put on hold, Sangma said talks are on with the Centre for diverting the funds for the Shillong project to the Jaintia Hills areas.
Meghalaya is the only state in the Northeast where the Railway Ministry’s plan to connect all state capitals has come unstuck.
