By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 7: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has objected to the support shown by a few Khasi-Jaintia MLAs for the introduction of goods trains in the state.
Expressing disappointment over the stance of these legislators, KSU general secretary Donald V. Thabah asked why only a few representatives of the Hynniewtrep community are actively pursuing the long-pending demand for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya.
“We have not seen any legislator take a firm stand on this issue, whether in government forums or through the media. We want to know which MLAs have ever gone to Delhi to demand the ILP from the Centre,” he said.
He sought to know how many letters or resolutions the state government has sent to the Centre to express the people’s demand for the ILP.
“Shouldn’t our MLAs be more eager to push for the ILP than for the railway line?” he asked.
Urging lawmakers to think beyond short-term benefits, Thabah said that public representatives must recognise the potential dangers that could arise from introducing railway connectivity in the land of the Hynniewtrep people.
He said these leaders should not view the railway issue only from the perspective of those promoting its introduction.
Thabah underlined the KSU’s belief that the railway line poses several risks, the most serious being the influx and settlement of outsiders on the land of the indigenous people.
“If the railway line is truly meant only for transporting goods, it will not be long before passenger trains start operating,” he warned.
The KSU general secretary reminded legislators of the time of U Tirot Sing Syiem, when the East India Company used roadways as a means to dominate Khasi territory.
He emphasised that Meghalaya still lacks sufficient laws to regulate the entry of outsiders effectively and to protect the customs, traditions, and land ownership rights of the indigenous people.
Reaffirming its stance, the KSU declared that it will continue to oppose the railway project until the indigenous people are fully safeguarded in their land.
Thabah also appealed to the Khasi community not to be influenced by promises or propaganda surrounding the railway project.
“We appeal to all members of the Khasi tribe not to be misled by the talk surrounding the railway line, but to think carefully about the future of our people without being blinded by personal benefits,” he said.
