By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 3: In a contrasting scenario of political mindset between Khasi & Jaintia tribes and that of the Garos, three NPP MLAs from South Garo Hills on Monday called for expansion of the railway network in Garo Hills and a railway line from Baghmara to the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka in order to boost connectivity and regional trade in the state’s western region.
This significant push for greater connectivity in Garo Hills comes at a time when the railway projects in Khasi-Jaintia Hills are facing an uncertain future with the Centre seeking refund of Rs 270 for the “scrapped” Shillong-Byrnihat railway project.
The three legislators from South Garo Hills will submit a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, urging the state government for a broader railway network extending from Guwahati to Mendipathar, Baghmara, and even Bangladesh.
Cabinet Minister and Rongara-Siju legislator, Rakkam A Sangma spoke about the historical significance of trade and commerce between South Garo Hills and Bangladesh, particularly between Baghmara and Dhaka. He stressed that a railway corridor from Baghmara to Dhaka could serve as a vital trade route in the long run.
“Roads are good in America not because they are rich, but they are rich because the roads are good,” Sangma said, and added that connectivity and infrastructure development is important in driving economic growth.
Earlier, during the debate on the Governor’s address, Opposition leader Mukul Sangma asked the Meghalaya government to go for wide consultations with the stakeholders including pressure groups and opposition parties on the contentious issue of railways.
Mukul made it clear that the government must take everyone on board, including the opposition, and start consultations.
“Let us have an exhaustive discussion and find a way. If not Byrnihat, redirecting it to Khliehriat is not the way,” he said.
“Meghalaya should not be seen as scared of a railway line. Mendipathar is already connected with railways but you don’t have railways in Khasi Hills,” he said.
Acknowledging the concerns of pressure groups who do not want the demography to be distributed with railways and want anti-influx mechanisms in place, he urged the state government to effectively utilise the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act enacted in 2016.
“Things went wrong when the MRSSA was brought for amendment in 2019,” he said.