‘Railways can benefit farmers as their products can reach national markets’
Shillong, May 27: BJP MLA and cabinet minister AL Hek has emphasised the need for a cautious approach in implementing railway projects even as he favoured “options” for ILP to check influx into the state.
“We should not stop any development, but we have to see the pros and cons. If we are bringing the railway, we must also see how we can prevent the influx,” Hek told reporters on Tuesday.
On some opposition parties opting out for discussion on the issue in an all-party meeting, he said, “This is an all-party meeting, so everyone should come and discuss.”
Referring to railways making entry in Mizoram and Arunachal, which are “far-flung areas along international borders”, the minister, however, said, “Before bringing the railway here, we must have an open discussion on how to first prevent influx.”
Meanwhile, Hek said there could be options for inner line permit (ILP) which the NGOs had been adamant to implement first before bringing in the railways.
“Once Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) is in place and everything is protected and prevented, only then should we talk about the railway. If MRSSA is implemented with full strength, we can discuss further,” he said.
Pointing out that many states, including Mizoram, have started reaping benefits of railways, he cautioned about Meghalaya being left behind in terms of connectivity.
Referring to railway line already connecting Mendipathar in Garo Hills, he said, “This (railways) is not something new. Goods trains are already operational there. So let’s start with goods trains first, like in Mendipathar.”
Highlighting the multi-sector benefits of railway connectivity, he said, “People from Mendipathar are sending their goods and getting better prices. From Garo Hills to Guwahati, it has helped. Similarly, from Khasi Hills or Jaintia Hills, our products can reach national markets. Even farmers will benefit. Goods coming from outside will also be cheaper. Right now, fish coming from Andhra Pradesh to Shillong via road takes 7–8 days, making it costly. By train, the cost will be much lower compared to road transport.”
He reiterated his appeal to opposition parties to come to the discussion table on the vital issue, saying, “Come to the platform and discuss. Only then can we examine the pros and cons and find ways to prevent influx into Meghalaya.”
Meanwhile, the minister strongly condemned the recent incident of harassment on young schoolgirls at Umsohsun in Shillong, terming it as “very unfortunate and deeply disturbing.”
“It is shocking and appalling that someone would dare to molest minor schoolgirls, especially during daytime, and in a public space. The government must ensure such offenders do not go scot-free,” he said.
The incident came to light after a disturbing CCTV footage from the locality surfaced online, showing a masked man harassing young girls on their way home from school.
East Khasi Hills superintendent of police Vivek Syiem said a suo motu case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in this regard and search is on to identify and nab the culprit.
