Shillong, May 8: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar on Friday said the government will not “bulldoze” railway projects in the Khasi-Jaintia region,...
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday emphasized the need for consensus on the railway project in the Khasi-Jaintia region stating, "We are very clear, we are going to move forward only when we are able to consult and get everybody on board."
Speaking on the importance of connectivity, Union Minister of State for Cooperation, Krishan Pal Gurjar has stressed the need for discussions with those opposing railway projects while recognising that land acquisition is a significant hurdle.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday asked opposition political parties to reconsider their decision and participate in the upcoming meeting of the all-party committee to discuss issues related to the proposed implementation of railway projects in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills region.
Meghalaya Cabinet Minister A.L. Hek on Tuesday said that while development such as the introduction of railways is necessary, it must be carried out after careful consideration of its impact, particularly in relation to protecting the interests of local citizens and preventing influx.
United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh on Friday expressed concern over the decision of the opposition parties to opt out of the all party committee, which seeks to examine the proposal for implementation of railway projects in the state.
The opposition Congress on Thursday announced its decision not to be part of the All Party Committee constituted by the state government to examine the issue related to the proposed implementation of railway projects in the state.
The state government has been asked to surrender over Rs 200 crore sanctioned by the Centre if the issue related to the land acquisition for the implementation of two railway projects in the Khasi Hills region is not resolved at the earliest.
Deputy Chief Minister incharge of Transport, Sniawbhalang Dhar on Friday said the state government is not abandoning the proposed implementation of railway projects in the state.
Admitting that influx is a big deal, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday assured that the government will address such concern before taking decision to go ahead with railway projects in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills region.
