Shillong, September 18 (IANS) Meghalaya Cabinet Minister and BJP MLA Senebore Shulai on Wednesday appealed to stakeholders including Civil Society Organizations and Pressure Group, stressed the economic benefits of goods train connectivity till Burenhat, to reconsider their protest against the proposed railway line project in the state.
Talking to reporters here, Shullai said that many northeastern states, including Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Garo Hills in Meghalaya, have gained conflict with railway infrastructure, especially to reduce the prices of goods and to reduce the prices of goods.
“Hopefully, under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad. Sangma, we will discuss non -governmental organizations and stakeholders to discuss and enlighten that the railway line can be a boon for the state,” Shulai said.
“At least goods trains should be allowed to come to Barenhat, which will reduce the cost and reduce the supply of essential commodities.”
The minister’s comment comes against the backdrop of decades long resistance for railway expansion in Meghalaya.
Several powerful NGOs and student bodies including Khasi Students Union (KSU) have consistently opposed railway connectivity in Khasi and Jayantia Hills, arguing that it can give rise to an uncontrolled flow of outsiders, which could endanger the possibility of demographic balance, land rights and employment of indigenous population.
Frequent efforts made by railway projects and gradual state governments to present railway projects have faced violent protests in protests, stops and some cases. In 2017, work on the Tatelia -Birnihat line was discontinued after a strong movement.
Civil society groups have ensured that a broader mechanism should be placed to check the inflax before implementing any railway project.
While the supporters of the railway initiative argue that connectivity will promote business, tourism and economic integration, opponents will be afraid that without strong protective laws, local tribal communities may be socially and economically overwhelmed.
By requesting to see again in the project, Shullai revives a debate that continues to divide the opinion in Meghalaya.
Final decision, he said, economic development should be balanced with the identity of the state and protection of interests.
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TR/P