NONGPOH: The Khasi Students’ Union and the Ri Bhoi Youth Federation said on Monday owners of illegal saw mills are opposed to the proposed exit point at Umpher.
The two groups were referring to a concerns raised by an NGO from Garo Hills regarding the exit point.
Ferdynald Kharkamni and B.P Khangkhiew, presidents of KSU and RBYF, respectively, said the proposed site is on a private land and does not affect the village road. It is also far from St Jude’s Secondary School and the Conservation Training Institute in Byrnihat.
“In fact, these have nothing to do with the proposed site, either in relation to their proximity or any other alleged impact,” the two leaders added.
“We also have information that a section of the illiterate and economically backward villagers who are opposed to the exit point are instigated, misinformed and misled by these financially well to-do people.
The duo further said since the land was privately owned by Garos and the land has been willingly given to the Government, the question of infringing upon the rights of the Garo community residing there does not arise.
“As far as the terrain of this particular site is concerned, our only question to the misinformed detractor is if a petrol pump and a big industrial complex can be set up by flattening the same undulating hillock, why can’t a mere facilitation centre be set up?” Thangkhiew said.
The leaders of KSU, NKHD and RBYF therefore urged people from Garo Hills to consult them before drawing conclusions based on false information.
They also asked the government to expedite land acquisition process for both the 19th Mile and 12thMile entry and exit points, respectively, since the matter has already taken over two years and it is high time that the government finally fulfils its promises.
The organisations blamed the revenue branch of the district for not registering land as per the basic practice leading to the present confusion.
KSU and RBYF asked the revenue authorities not to bargain on the land as it may lead to further delay and hamper the peaceful survey of the railway head in the district.
