Shillong, Apr 15: The Voice of the People Party (VPP), which stormed the political space in Khasi-Jaintia Hills riding on strong regional sentiment, has decided keep away from an all-party committee on rail connectivity, citing “no solution to unchecked influx” yet.
The VPP announcement came ahead of the upcoming meeting of the government-constituted all-party committee to examine the issue of railway connectivity in Khasi-Jaintia region.
“…the VPP regrets to inform that we shall not be participating in the said committee at this juncture,” said VPP general secretary and Shillong MP Dr Ricky AJ Syngkon in a letter to the chief secretary.
The railway project from Tetelia near Guwahati to Byrnihat in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya could not be completed for decades due to strong opposition from anti-influx groups.
The VPP echoed the concern of pressure groups while appreciating the government initiative in constituting an all-party committee on the vital issue.
“The VPP is of the opinion that before any discussion on the introduction of railway lines in Khasi and Jaintia Hills can take place, it is imperative to first address the genuine concerns of the people regarding unchecked influx into the state,” the VPP leader said.
Syngkon also expressed that his party would prefer formation of a committee to discuss and implement effective mechanisms to prevent or check influx such as inner line permit (ILP) before discussing railway connectivity.
He asserted that the VPP can “safely consider” introducing railway lines only after installing adequate and reliable protective mechanisms to regulate influx or immigration of people into the state.
Stating that VPP would not allow any compromise on interests and identity of the indigenous population, Syngkon said, “Any premature discussion on railway connectivity, without first addressing these fundamental concerns, would only lead to a waste of valuable time and resources.”
