VPP refuses to be part of all-party panel on railways

SHILLONG, April 14: The opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Monday declined to be a part of the All-Party Committee constituted to examine the issue of railway connectivity in Meghalaya,
It said discussions on the inner-line permit (ILP) and other effective mechanisms and their implementation to prevent or check the influx must take precedence over deliberations on railway expansion.
In a letter addressed to Chief Secretary Donald P Wahlang, VPP spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh acknowledged the government’s initiative in setting up the committee to discuss railway connectivity in the state.
He, however, stated, “The VPP is of the opinion that before any discussion on the introduction of railway lines in Khasi and Jaintia Hills can take place, it is imperative to first address the genuine concerns of the people regarding unchecked influx into the state.”
Reiterating the party’s position, Myrboh wrote: “In our view, the formation of a committee to discuss and implement effective mechanisms to prevent or check influx, such as the ILP, must take precedence over deliberations on railway connectivity.”
He argued that without adequate safeguards in place, infrastructure projects like railways could pose risks to the indigenous communities of the state. “We firmly believe that only when adequate and reliable protective mechanisms to regulate the influx or immigration of people into the state are in place can we safely consider introducing railway lines, without compromising the interests and identity of the indigenous population,” he wrote.
Warning against moving ahead with discussions on the railways in the absence of protective measures, he cautioned: “Any premature discussion on railway connectivity, without first addressing these fundamental concerns, would only lead to a waste of valuable time and resources.”
“The Voice of the People Party regrets to inform you that we shall not be participating in the said committee at this juncture,” he added.
On April 2, the state government had announced the constitution of an all-party committee consisting of recognised and registered political parties to discuss railway connectivity in Meghalaya.
According to a notification issued by the Chief Secretary, the committee will be chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma or any minister appointed by him.
“All political parties are requested to nominate two representatives for the committee. Relevant government departments will also be invited to participate in the deliberations,” the notification stated.
The committee’s mandate includes examining and identifying solutions for the introduction and construction of railways in Meghalaya, as well as conducting a cost-benefit analysis of railway implementation in the state.
Additionally, the committee will gather input from all stakeholders and submit its recommendations to the state government.