SHILLONG, Aug 8: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has questioned the intent of those who once demanded a platform such as the Committee on Railways to discuss the issue but are now unwilling to participate.
On Friday, he urged the political parties to change their stance and join discussions in the upcoming meeting of the All-Party Committee on Railways, constituted by the government to facilitate dialogue on the contentious issue.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to engaging with the public before taking any decision on the proposed railway projects in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills.
The Chief Minister stressed that public concerns must be addressed through dialogue before moving forward.
He stated that the railway projects were vital from the standpoint of economic growth, but acknowledged that it remained a sensitive matter with deep public sentiments involved.
Sangma said that while some ministers supported the project, his government adopted a consultative approach, promising to involve villagers and local bodies in any decision-making process, be it in the Khasi Hills or the Garo Hills.
According to him, the government would seek to address the concerns of the public and try to resolve any issues that emerge. He clarified that no survey has been undertaken in the South Garo Hills. “A Union minister had asked if the project can be taken up in other parts of the state if opposition persists in the Khasi Hills,” he said.
He said he responded by referring to earlier discussions with representatives from the Garo Hills and Jaintia Hills, who had shown interest.
Sangma added that the government is once again engaging with them, aiming to secure broad support from the public, civil society, and other stakeholders.
Speaking about the All-Party Committee, he said the government had extended invitations to all parties, but some declined.
Despite the absence of certain parties, he confirmed that the committee’s work would continue.
Uncertainty shrouds the proposed railway projects in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills, but the Garo Hills region is seeking an extension of the railway line from Mendipathar in the North Garo Hills to Williamnagar in the East Garo Hills district.
Cabinet Minister and Williamnagar MLA, Marcuise N. Marak, recently asserted that the Garo Hills will demand the extension of the railway line from Mendipathar if the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region does not want railways.
Earlier, Cabinet Minister Rakkam A. Sangma submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, requesting him to extend the railway connection from Mendipathar to Baghmara via Nongalbibra or Tura, Tikrikilla or Dalu.
