Meghalaya urge centre to speed up ILP implementation to pave way for railways

Shillong, Jan 15: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that his government has taken up the issue to speed up implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) with the centre. He said that if centre introduces ILP in the state, it will pave the way for the introduction of railway lines in the Khasi-Jaintia region of the state.

Responding to a question on the issue, he said, “Yes, very true we have been in fact discussing this (if Meghalaya gets ILP, it may resolve issues related to railways) and that’s the reason we passed the resolution (on ILP) also. We were the only government that has passed a resolution in the Assembly and this is a strong message to the entire demand that has been there that we need this.”

He reiterated that the power to grant ILP lies with the Centre.

Terming the argument that implementation of ILP may pave way for introduction of railways as “valid”, the CM said, “Your point is valid but that is the point that we have been talking to India also that if this one step is taken it paves the way for many other kind of issues to be resolved and it should be considered and that’s the reason we passed the resolution.”

The chief minister said that the government will ensure that ILP implementation does not negatively impact the tourism industry in the state.

“But at the same time we also have to look at the impact on the economy as a whole and see all the issues that are there and find ways and means in which even though this ILP may come up and if Government of India grant us, we should ensure that it is not impact our tourist flows, does not impact our economy and the common people whose livelihood depends on tourism today are not impacted in any negative manner.”

Railway link in Khasi Hills

Further, the CM informed that he would be meeting the union railway minister in New Delhi the day after tomorrow to discuss the status of the proposed railway projects in Khasi Hills.

The railway projects in the Khasi Hills region have faced roadblocks due to strong opposition from different quarters including pressure groups apprehending influx. Majority of them are demanding the government to first implement ILP before discussing railway projects in the region.

Referring to this issue, the chief minister assured, “We have reiterated in the press and in all forums that whatever decision we take, it will be with the confidence of the people of the region and the state and different organisations and we will try our best to address those issues and only then move forward with the railways lines in the region.”

He however informed that the government is in the process of identifying the alternative routes in Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills for introduction and extension of the railway lines.

“We will discuss with stakeholders and only then we will move forward but this identification of possible routes that could benefit the state and the people and the overall economy, possible identification of those routes are of course happening but any kind of solid action on that or movement on that will only take place once we are incorporated discussion with the stakeholders and the people at large and only then we will move forward,” the CM reiterated.

“As a government obviously we have discussed, we indicated that this is an area which we should examine, we should look at and once that kind of road map is there in front of us we will broaden the discussions and engage with the people,” he added.

Asked, the CM said that there is a chance for the government of India to shift the railway project to Jaintia Hills or Garo Hills.

“So I would guess that government of India would finally (take that decision) after we are not able to move forward shift the project if government of Meghalaya is able to give an option then there is a possibility that government of India may decide to shift the railway project to may be Jaintia Hills or Garo Hills depending again on the people of that region and what the people feel. However, whatever decision that we take it will be in consultation with the stakeholders,” he further added.

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