Meghlaya CM Questions Agenda of Opposition Parties in Not Taking Part in All-Party Committee on Railways. Will Move Forward Only after Taking Everyone on Board

Emphasizing on the need for railways from an economic perspective, Sangma said the concerns about influx and other issues are genuine.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has questioned the agenda of the opposition parties in not taking part in any dialogue over railway projects in Meghalaya which has hit a roadblock of protests.

Assuring enough flexibility on the discussion on railways with the political parties in the state, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said there is lot of concern over the railway projects and it is the responsibility of the political parties to address them.

Talking to journalists in Shillong on Wednesday Sangma said “We are concerned and we would like to see things forward because it is in the larger interest of the state. But obviously there are lot of concerns and lot of issues are there that are there among the public at large. It is a responsibility of the political leadership to be able to find a way forward. Even without seating for a meeting and saying we don’t want to be a part of it. I don’t have any comments to make regarding what their intentions are or are not. It’s really unfortunate. Either we go for it or don’t go for it, if you don’t give your opinion where is the democratic process? And when we don’t call, they say why you don’t call. If we call, they say we don’t want to be in it. So, I really don’t know what their agenda is. But for us we are very transparent and very clear and I have been maintaining the stand from day one.”

Emphasizing on the need for railways from an economic perspective, Sangma said the concerns about influx and other issues are genuine. Sangma suggested a middle path by balancing things and addressing the concerns of the stakeholders. “Railway from a larger economic perspective is very important for us. But there are genuine concerns from the infiltration issue to other issues that affect the sentiment of the people. Now can we find a middle path? Can we find a way to balance it? Can we find a way to address the concerns of our people? And yet go for this project which will be a huge game changer for us. I think it’s important for us to discuss.” said Sangma.

Asked about the fate of the all-party committee on railways in a scenario if the opposition parties do not join it, Sangma said while the committee will hold discussions with the stakeholders, the government will move forward on the railway projects only after taking everyone on board.

Railway projects in Meghalaya have been stalled for years. However, in April this year, the state government formed a committee to reopen discussions after the Ministry of Railways asked Meghalaya to return the funds previously allocated for land acquisition related to the proposed railway lines.
Pressure groups in Meghalaya have strongly opposed railway expansion, particularly in the Khasi Hills, fearing it could lead to an influx of outsiders. These groups have demanded the implementation of a comprehensive protective mechanism, such as the Inner Line Permit (ILP), before considering approval for any railway project.

Meanwhile, the railways have been operating successfully in the Garo Hills for the past ten years, with no major concerns regarding influx. Mendipathar in North Garo Hills remains the only location in Meghalaya currently connected by rail.

The Meghalaya government has consistently stated that the development of railway infrastructure depends entirely on public consent. However, after failing to convince pressure groups in the Khasi Hills, the government is now cautiously exploring alternatives. Despite this, pressure groups have already voiced opposition to any new initiatives, and public opinion at large remains uncertain.

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