By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 15: With the railway issue continuing to divide opinion, the state government on Thursday said sustained dialogue, not confrontation, is the only way forward.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma reiterated that his stand on rail connectivity has remained consistent.
“I am very clear on the railways. Once we have dialogue and discussion, and some sort of agreement on how we can move forward together, only then can we proceed,” he said.
He further stated that the government had attempted to create a platform for discussion by convening an all-party meeting on the issue, but most political parties chose to stay away. Some of them had written to the government saying that they would not be a part of the discussion, Sangma pointed out.
Emphasising that engagement is necessary even when views sharply differ, the Chief Minister said progress becomes difficult when dialogue breaks down.
“Whether we agree or disagree, unless we talk, it becomes very difficult to move forward,” he said, referring to repeated questions over the timing of discussion and the lack of prior consultation.
Sangma said the government would continue reaching out to the public and political stakeholders. “We will continue to explain to the people the benefits, address the concerns they may have, and see if we are able to come to a meeting point,” he said.
He added that the matter will be taken forward at the national level only if there is a broad consensus.
