Last Updated: 18th August, 2023 14:54 IST
There are mechanisms to tackle influx: Meghalaya Dy CM on NGOs protesting against railway projects
First Published: 20th July, 2023 13:40 IST
Two organizations in Jaintia Hills district have objected to railway project stating the state lacks a mechanism to control immigration
By Purbasha Bhattacharjee
Amid the opposition to railway projects in Meghalaya, some people from Jaintia Hills have requested railway connectivity, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister and in-charge of Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar informed on Thursday.
Reacting to the NGOs opposing railway project in the state, citing that the railway is a medium to facilitate massive influx, the deputy chief minister, however, claimed that there are mechanisms to tackle influx in the state.
“If some new thing comes, it takes time for our people to understand. It does not mean that they oppose. The Government never went against the people of the state. There is mechanism to tackle influx,” Dhar added.
It may be mentioned here that two organizations in Jaintia Hills district have objected to railway project based on the fact that the state lacks a mechanism to control immigration and a framework to protect tribal trade.
Earlier, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that the Shillong to Byrnihat rail project may be cancelled and the money that has been outlaid for this project will be diverted and put up for projects in other zones or other areas of the state.
However, he said that the success of the project will largely depend on discussions with local leaders and different stakeholders.
It may be mentioned here that various pressure groups in Meghalaya have been opposing and protesting against railway projects in the state, fearing an illegal influx of immigrants posing a threat to the indigenous communities.
Apart from the Byrnihat-Shillong project, the Tetelia-Byrnihat railway line has also remained a non-starter in Meghalaya despite making considerable progress in Assam, with over 75 percent of the physical construction work completed.
Earlier, during the Budget Session of Parliament in February this year, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the 108-km Byrnihat-Shillong railway project was facing a lot of law and order problems from the Khasi Student Union.
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live 110 Acres of Illicit Poppy Fields Destroyed in Ukhrul, CM Biren Lauds Joint Operation
13th December 2024
Live Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Hails for Peace and Prosperity in Bodoland
13th December 2024
Live Youth’s Hands and Legs Tied, Thrown Off Flyover In Guwahati
12th December 2024
Live Did You Try Bitchi Yet? Here is All You Need to Know About the Garo Brew from Meghalaya
12th December 2024
WE RECOMMEND
Did You Try Bitchi Yet? Here is All You Need to Know About the Garo Brew from Meghalaya
Crafted in villages around Tura in the Garo Hills, Bitchi has been cherished for centuries as a staple in the Garo diet
12th December 2024
Winter Tales: Celebrating Meghalaya’s Green Tourism and Cultural Brilliance
The Meghalaya Government’s initiative to promote Green Tourism takes center stage with the Winter Tales Festival, an iconic celebration inaugurated by Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh at Ward’s Lake, Shillong. This enchanting annual event, running from December 12th to 14th, heralds the Christmas season while emphasizing sustainability and cultural vibrancy. Happening against the picturesque backdrop of […]
12th December 2024
Ed Sheeran’s Shillong Show Sold Out in Less Than 5 Minutes
Pre-sale tickets were made available exclusively for select cardholders on Monday, while general ticket sales opened on Wednesday.
12th December 2024
Meghalaya BJP MLA Urges Assam CM to Facilitate Smooth Transport of Bovine Animals Amid Beef Ban
Shullai highlighted the adverse impact the ban has had on Meghalaya's cultural and economic interests.
11th December 2024
NESO Observes Black Day in Shillong, KSU Highlights Concerns Over CAA and ILP
The All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) also observed Black Day today in Itanagar.
11th December 2024