Shillong, Oct 8: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has asked all Khasi-Jaintia legislators to exercise caution regarding the proposed railway line in the region.
“As public representatives, they should acknowledge the potential threats posed by the railway line, particularly the influx of outsiders and the risk of illegal settlement,” KSU general secretary Donald V Thabah said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
This came a day after cabinet minister and Jirang legislator Sosthenes Sohtun had expressed that he is in favor of the goods train to come to the region.
Thabah however said the introduction of goods trains will inevitably lead to passenger trains, which could compromise the region’s demographic and economic security while referring to the historical context of U Tirot Sing Syiem’s time, where the construction of roads facilitated the East India Company’s conquest of the Khasi region.
He further reminded that Meghalaya lacks effective laws to regulate the entry of outsiders and protect the economic interests of its people and land.
The KSU leader further questioned the silence of Khasi-Jaintia legislators on the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, which is essential for protecting the region’s indigenous people.
He asked whether any legislators have demanded ILP implementation from the Central government or raised the issue on government platforms and in the media.
The KSU reiterated its commitment to fighting against the railway project unless the rights and interests of the indigenous people are protected. It urged the people of the region to remain vigilant and prioritize the long-term interests of the community over personal gains.
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