Shillong, Meghalaya, March 23: The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) 2.0 government is caught in a precarious situation regarding the railway projects, with the issue threatening to derail both economic development and law and order in the state. While the government seeks to introduce railways in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills to induce economic growth, anti-railway groups are willing to take extreme measures to block any attempt to push the project forward.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma emphasized the importance of railway expansion as a crucial developmental goal but warned that the decision should not be made without the public’s consent. Sangma pointed out that the state’s community-based system, where land ownership is held by the public and governed by traditional systems, makes the project more complex. Moreover, concerns over illegal immigration and identity protection have stalled the process.
In an interview at the Network18 Group India Diamond States Summit, Sangma stressed that any decision made without taking the people into consideration would have severe consequences. “If the railway project is brought against the will of the people or without taking them into confidence, there will be problems, and the vision for development will face difficulties,” he said. Sangma believes that continuous dialogue and inclusion of all stakeholders are key to resolving the issue.
Additionally, Sangma highlighted the need for protective measures such as Inner Line Permits and local laws to regulate the entry of outsiders. He emphasized that the concerns about outsiders settling in the state and taking away employment opportunities are not exclusive to Meghalaya, hinting that it is a pan-Indian issue. Sangma cited the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act, which restricts non-locals from purchasing land and provides a degree of protection for the local youth, as an existing safeguard.
The state’s demographic change is a crucial factor in the issue, and Sangma believes that ongoing discussions with anti-railway groups will finally yield a solution. “A lot of discussions have taken place, but we have not reached a solution. Until we find a solution, there will be stiff resistance. However, I believe that with continuous dialogue and by taking everyone on board, we will be able to move forward,” he said.
The fate of the railway projects hangs in the balance, as the MDA 2.0 government struggles to strike a balance between economic development and social stability. The outcome will depend on the government’s ability to build consensus and address the concerns of all stakeholders.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/03/24/want-railways-but-dont-want-law-and-order-problems-cm/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2025-03-24 02:02:00
