SHILLONG, March 2: The newly-elected VPP-led Executive Committee in the KHADC seems to be toeing the party line in opposing the railway projects in Khasi Hills region due to the absence of anti-influx mechanisms.
KHADC CEM, Shemborlang Rynjah on Sunday said the new Executive Committee (EC) will first find out the current status of the Centre’s proposal to introduce railway connectivity in Khasi Hills region.
“We will study the matter before we officially come up with our stand on this sensitive issue,” Rynjah said.
According to him, they will also examine the legalities of the railway projects in the council.
He, however, made it clear that the state government will need to put in place a strong mechanism for the safety and security of the Khasi indigenous tribe before pushing for introduction of railways in this part of the state.
It may be mentioned that the lack of progress on the Byrnihat-Shillong railway project forced the Centre to ask the state government to return about Rs 270 crore that was given for the acquisition of land.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had disclosed that the state government received a letter from the Centre asking the state to return the money.
The construction work for the Byrnihat-Shillong railway line has remained stalled since 2016-17 following opposition from some pressure groups. They fear that the introduction of railways would lead to influx of outsiders in the absence of a strong anti-influx mechanism like Inner Line Permit or Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act.
Talking about the party manifesto for the ADCs elections, the KHADC CEM said that one of the priorities of the VPP is to pursue the recognition of the Khasi language under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Rynjah, who is also a member of the Khasi Authors’ Society, said that the council will take the lead in holding discussion with the KAS on how they can move forward to pursue this matter with the Centre to ensure that this long-pending demand is fulfilled.
Asked if the present EC is in favour of reviewing the first phase of the boundary agreement signed between Meghalaya and Assam governments in March 2023, he said the EC will first hold a meeting with the officials to understand the steps taken by the previous ECs on the crucial matter.
According to him, they will have to examine the details thoroughly since the interstate border dispute is a complex issue.
“But we are firm and committed that the land and properties of the people residing in the border villages should be protected,” Rynjah added.
