Shillong, Jan 15: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has asserted the need for a consensus on setting up railway network in Khasi-Jaintia Hills and urged the political parties not to shy away from dialogues on the issue.
“We are very clear, we are going to move forward only when we are able to consult and get everybody on board,” he said while replying to a query from reporters on Thursday.
Expressing disappointment over most political parties not attending the all-party meeting to discuss the issue, he said, “Whether we agree or we disagree until unless we don’t talk, we’re not going to reach anywhere.”
Sangma reiterated the government’s commitment to engaging with all stakeholders, saying, “We will continue to explain to people about the benefits of this and we will try to address the concerns that they may have… we will try to address the concerns that they may have and see if we are able to come to a meeting point following which we will be able to take it to Delhi.”
He stressed that the railway project is economically important but acknowledged its sensitivity, requiring careful consideration.
The government had formed an all-party committee to discuss the railway project, but some parties declined to participate.
