Shillong, Jan 16: The state government has taken up with the Centre the need to speed up implementation of inner line permit (ILP) in order to resolve several issues and pave way for introduction of railway lines in Khasi-Jaintia region of the state, chief minister Conrad K Sangma said after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
Replying to a question on the issue, Sangma said, “Yes, very true we have been in fact discussing this (if Meghalaya gets ILP, it may resolve issues related to railways) and that’s the reason we passed the resolution (on ILP) also.”
“We were the only government that has passed a resolution in the Assembly and this is a strong message to the entire demand that has been there that we need this,” he said.
Pointing out that implementation of ILP is a Central government decision, he said, “We can keep pushing it at government of India level, but it’s not something that I can give an insurance for.”
Terming the argument that implementation of ILP may pave way for introduction of railways as “valid”, the CM said, “Your point is valid but that is the point that we have been talking to India also that if this one step is taken it paves the way for many other kind of issues to be resolved.”
Having said that, Sangma said, the government will ensure that ILP implementation does not negatively impact the tourism industry in the state.
“We should ensure that it is not impact our tourist inflow, does not impact our economy and the common people whose livelihood depends on tourism today are not impacted in any negative manner,” he said.
Further, the CM informed that he would be meeting the union railway minister in New Delhi on Friday to discuss the status of the proposed railway projects in Khasi Hills.
Railway projects in Khasi Hills region have faced roadblocks due to strong opposition from different quarters including pressure groups apprehending influx. Majority of them are demanding the government to first implement ILP before discussing railway projects in the region.
Meanwhile, the government is in the process of identifying alternative routes in Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills for introduction and extension of railway lines.
Asked, he said there is a chance for government of India to shift the railway project to Jaintia Hills or Garo Hills.
“Whatever decision that we take, it will be in consultation with the stakeholders,” he added.
