Shillong, June 24: In an effort to elucidate a comprehensive political view on the proposed railway projects in Khasi-Jaintia Hills, chief minister Conrad K Sangma has asked opposition parties to reconsider their decision and take part in the all-party committee meeting on the vexed issue.
Two key opposition parties – Voice of the People Party (VPP) and Congress – have decided not to be part of the political process initiated by the government to solve the issue citing opposition from other quarters and lack of anti-influx mechanism.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the chief minister the opposition parties’ decision not to participate in the meeting has sent a wrong message democratically.
“We got some negative response from some political parties so we were slightly not moving forward. My point is that whether you agree or you don’t agree at least we sit and put our thoughts and ideas on the table,” he said.
Emphasising on dialogues to find a way forward, he said, “Without having a democratic process in this whole thing, some political parties have decided not to participate in this, which I feel, democratically a very wrong message.”
He appealed to the opposition parties to reconsider their stand, saying, “I am hoping that the parties will reconsider their stand and then we will decide on the dates.”
However, he indicated that the government may not wait long for the opposition parties, saying, “And if that doesn’t happen, very soon we will finalise the dates.”
He said, however, there is need for a collective approach in addressing the challenges and concerns related to the proposed railway projects in the region.
