Shillong, Mar 5: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday said the state government would soon call a meeting with the different political parties and stakeholders to discuss the proposed implementation of the railway projects and addressing the concern over influx and illegal immigrations into the state.

Replying to a short duration discussion on the issue in the Assembly, Sangma said, “As a governmnet, keeping the sentiments of the people in mind, we have been very clear that we will only move forward with these projects after consultation with stakeholders and getting a consensus before moving forward.”

Welcoming the suggestion of the Leader of Opposition as the right way to move forward, Sangma said, “We have will be calling a number of meetings with the political parties and stakeholders (to discuss these issues). Let us put everything on the table, trash out the issue and see if there is a possibility to move forward interms of the railway connectivity.”

“This is because sometimes when we negotiate, we end up negotiating based on position whereas negotiation should take place based on issue. If issue is railways then it is a position but issue is influx therefore, it is only when we bring the people together instead of discussing the position, we discuss on issues (and take a call),” he asserted.

The chief minister further informed that the government of India has now moved the proposals for railway connectivity to every corner and almost all states’ capital adding “We may be the only one which we will be left without railway connectivity and maybe if we miss this bus I dont know when this opportunity will come again.”

“Therefore, it is important we realise the gravity of the situation. If we look at the geniune concerns related to influx and infilatration can we find a way forward to meet all the needs and address issues and yet not lose out this important game changer for our people especially the farmers and entrepreneurs,” he added.

The chief minister informed that during his meeting with the union minister to discuss on the inability of the government to move forward the Byrnihat railway project, he had mentioned that he could explore and find out by engaging with the people.

“Accordingly, I mentioned this point to the elected members of the state and I shared there is a possibility that government of India is open to reappropriating the fund sanctioned for this purpose for a different route. The MLAs had discussed and I am sure in the process of discussion and somewhere the member must have made this statement,” he said while referring to a recent statement made by UDP leader and cabinet minister Kyrmen Shylla that people of Jaintia Hills should be allowed to decide on railway issue without the interference from outsiders. Opposition VPP legislators have strongly objected Shylla’s statement alleging that he is trying to divide the people of Khasi-Jaintia Hills.

Sangma however maintained that government’s view is a government’s view and that is what matters and said, “What matters is what the CM says as head of the government. I have made the government’s stand very clear today and that for us to be focusing on one word and try to dig into it I think it is beyond the level what this house (should be discussing). Here, we are talking about policies and as CM and head of the government I would like to focus on that aspect. Yes, the railway project is important. Yes, we feel it will be a very important economic development and we will be losing out if (we don’t move forward). Therefore, we will only move forward only after due consultation and that will will happen once we start the discussion with different political parties and the stakeholders.”

Further subscribing to the speech of the Leader of Opposition, the chief minister said, “At certain point, the house must maintain its decorum and its standard. I know we will be very emotional at many things but the state Assembly has been known for maintianing high decorum. Therefore, I will join the LO to appeal to all members let us rise above our individual issues that are there as at the end of the day we have to see where we are and ensure we discuss matter and maintaing dignity and decorum of the house.”

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