SHILLONG, July 18: Cabinet minister and MDA 2.0 spokesperson, Ampareen Lyngdoh on Tuesday advised the pressure groups opposed to the proposed railway lines to Khasi and Jaintia Hills to visit the Mendipathar railway station in North Garo Hills for a case study.
The pressure groups in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills fear the railways would lead to a large-scale influx of outsiders in Meghalaya.
“The pressure groups must find out whether or not an influx has happened there because of the railways. They can find out if the trains to Mendipathar have led to the dilution of the tribal communities,” she said, adding that commodities are now being transported to and from the Garo Hills more efficiently and at a lesser cost because of the railway.
Pointing out that people are benefiting from the Mendipathar railway station, Lyngdoh insisted the government would not pursue anything the people are against.
She admitted that there are topographical challenges in bringing the railways to the Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
“We do not have enough low-lying land and plateaus. We have high hills. Whether or not it (railway) is going to be achievable is something again that needs to be seen,” she said.
Earlier, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma had said that the Centre may soon drop the idea of connecting Shillong with railways.
He said the central government will not wait much and there is every possibility of canceling the Shillong project. Pointing out that railway projects in Ri-Bhoi and East Khasi Hills have been put on hold, he said talks are on with the Centre to transfer funds for the Shillong project to the Jaintia Hills areas.
