Shillong, Mar 6: The state government will convene a meeting soon with various political parties and stakeholders to discuss the proposed implementation of railway projects and address the concern over influx and illegal immigrations into the state.
Chief minister Conrad Sangma informed this in the state assembly while replying to a short duration discussion on the issue on Wednesday.
He reiterated the MDA government’s stand to give priority to public sentiment while moving forward with such projects.
The government will move ahead only after getting a consensus on the issue, he said.
Welcoming as suggestion from Leader of Opposition to discuss the matter, he said the government would convene meetings with political parties and stakeholders to discuss such matters.
“Let us put everything on the table, trash out the issue and see if there is a possibility to move forward in terms of the railway connectivity,” he said while underlining the issue is influx as the main challenge.
Citing government of India’s move to expand railway connectivity to every nook and corner of the country and almost all state capitals, he said, “We may be the only one to be left without railway connectivity and maybe if we miss this bus, I don’t know when this opportunity will come again.”
“Therefore, it is important we realise the gravity of the situation,” he said.
He advocated for addressing the “genuine concerns” related to influx and infiltration, saying, “Can we find a way forward to address the issues and yet not lose out this important gamechanger for our people, especially farmers and entrepreneurs.”
Informing about his meeting with union minister whom he told about the government’s inability to take forward the Byrnihat railway project, the chief minister said he could explore further and find out means to restore the project.
“There is a possibility that government of India is open to re-appropriating the fund sanctioned for this purpose for a different route,” he said.
Sangma also referred to a recent statement made by UDP leader and cabinet minister Kyrmen Shylla that people of Jaintia Hills should be allowed to decide on railway issue without the interference from “outsiders”.
However, VPP legislators strongly objected to Shylla’s statement alleging that he was trying to divide the people of Khasi-Jaintia Hills.
However, the chief minister said, “I have made the government’s stand very clear today and that for us to be focusing on one word and try to dig into it… I think it is beyond the level what this house (should be discussing).”
He also urged the Opposition to maintain decorum in the House.
“I know we will be very emotional at many things but the state Assembly has been known for maintaining high decorum,” he said.
“I will join the LO to appeal to all members… let us rise above our individual issues…” he said.
