The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has defended its choice to withdraw from the all-party committee focused on railway connectivity in Meghalaya, raising questions about the necessity of such a committee. VPP chief Ardent Basaiawmoit stated on Sunday, “Where is the need to constitute an all-party committee for railway connectivity? The government knows the mind of the people very well, and we have also made our stand very clear on the floor of the House.” His remarks follow the government’s claim that the state would remain stagnant if political parties did not engage in discussions about the sensitive railway issue.
Both the VPP and the state Congress have chosen not to participate in the committee formed by the government to explore the introduction of railways in the Khasi-Jaintia region. Basaiawmoit expressed concerns about the influx of outsiders, insisting that the government should first establish mechanisms to manage this issue before further discussing railway connectivity.
Questioning the rationale behind the all-party committee, he remarked, “If the government feels the railway is needed, it can go ahead. Why was a committee constituted, since we have already made our stand clear?”
In addition, Basaiawmoit emphasized the importance of increased security along the India-Bangladesh border, pushing for immediate action to secure the unfenced sections. He noted that this issue is critical as land remains uncertain in some areas, jeopardizing farmers’ livelihoods. “The government should strengthen the presence of armed forces in the border areas, fence or no fence. That should be the priority,” he said, referring to the government’s recent focus on border fencing amid the ongoing India-Pakistan situation.
Basaiawmoit addressed the ongoing worries of people living along the border, stating, “If people are not opposing the border fencing, the government has to ensure that they do not lose large tracts of land, especially the cultivable land. The government needs to think seriously about this concern of the people in the border areas.”
Meghalaya shares a 443-km international border with Bangladesh, with certain sections remaining unfenced due to difficult terrain and objections from landowners worried about losing access to their properties. According to agreements between India and Bangladesh, no permanent structures are permitted within 150 meters of the international boundary.
“It is crucial to consider the concerns of local residents, especially regarding their livelihoods. If they lose significant portions of land, where will they go? The government is not providing any alternative jobs for them,” Basaiawmoit concluded.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/05/12/vpp-questions-need-for-all-party-panel-on-railway-projects/
Category: MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2025-05-12 04:04:00
