Bangladesh Situation Shouldn’t Hinder Construction of Guwahati-Dhaka Rail Line Via Baghmara: Meghalaya Minister Rakkam A. Sangma
First Published: 7th May, 2025 13:37 IST
“The illegal immigrant will not come through railway nor flight nor bus. They will come as it is, Meghalaya has an open border,” he added.
National People’s Party leader legislator from Rongara-Siju constituency and Cabinet Minister Rakkam A. Sangma asserted that prevailing concerns over Bangladesh should not stop South Garo Hills getting connected to railways.
While speaking to media, Minister Sangma said, “Bangladesh situation should not stop South Garo Hills from being connected with railways. Adding railways is not only meant for connecting the district with Dhaka in Bangladesh. I am sure the situation will improve and that we should work together to find a solution.”
He argued that illegal immigration does not depend on trains, flights, or buses, but persists through porous and unregulated routes, particularly in open border areas like West Garo Hills.
“The illegal immigrant will not come through railway nor flight nor bus. They will come as it is, Meghalaya has an open border,” he added.
He cited that, “In West Garo Hills, thousands of people are there. Did these people come through rail, or plane? No. Illegal is illegal. Our border is open; anybody can enter.”
Reiterating the strength of institutional safeguards, Sangma said the Sixth Schedule provides a robust legal and administrative framework to protect tribal land and identity.
“We have a strong mechanism in place, if we implement it properly. We have the Rangbah Shnong, we have Nokma, we have district council and local authorities who will always monitor. We have a strong mechanism in the Sixth Schedule which will protect our land, our people, our interest, if we properly implement it. This is the best weapon to protect from illegal immigrants”, he added.
He also emphasized the need for immediate implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya in order to effectively check illegal influx into the state.
Earlier, Rakkam Sangma batted for a rail line connecting Guwahati with Dhaka, the capital city of neighbouring Bangladesh via Baghmara in Meghalaya.
Sangma highlighted the potential impact of such infrastructure and said, “The distance between Dhaka and Baghamara is 183 km, and if we have an integrated system including a proper check gate and a bus system from Guwahati to Dhaka, people from Bangladesh could easily travel to Meghalaya. This would facilitate education, business, and tourism exchanges, benefiting both regions. Moreover, there would be many guest houses, marketplaces, hotels etc.”
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