Shillong, Sept 13: Nongpoh legislator and Chairman of the Meghalaya State Health Advisory Board, Mayralborn Syiem, has flagged the impact of numerous check gates and the absence of goods-carrying trains on the soaring prices of essential commodities and vegetables in the state. While backing the need for goods trains in the state to combat steep price rise, he insisted on having influx-checking mechanisms in place first.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Syiem said the issue of price rise is not confined to the state alone as it affects the whole nation. He emphasized that the government must take measures to alleviate the increasing prices of essential items, which have adversely affected the common man.

He pointed out that the presence of toll gates and check gates along the National Highway significantly contributes to this surge in prices. He explained, “If a truck carrying vegetable products from Punjab has to pass through multiple toll gates and check gates, it will inevitably have a direct and indirect impact on the prices of these essential commodities before they reach our state.”

He further noted that the scarcity of goods-carrying trains is another factor leading to price hikes in the state. “Almost all goods are imported from outside the state, including rice, onion, potato, and clothing. If the railway carrying goods can enter the state, even up to Byrnihat, it will help reduce the prices of essential commodities,” he reasoned.

However, he stressed the importance of implementing an influx checking mechanism if such trains are introduced into the state. “Even if goods-carrying trains do arrive, mechanisms must be in place to safeguard the interests of the indigenous people of the state,” he affirmed.

Syiem further underscored the necessity of implementing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) in the event of goods trains being introduced in the state.

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