The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) will accept the coming of the railways to Khasi Hills if the local people acquiesce, Chief Executive Member Titosstarwell Chyne said today.
The KHADC recently came out against the Tetelia (in Assam) to Byrnihat railway project but today Chyne said the council would support the project if that is what the public want.
Before the railhead can be constructed, which would be the first instance of rail in Khasi-Jaiñtia Hills (Garo Hills already has a line up to Mendipathar), consent has to be sought from traditional leaders, who in turn would put the issue to the local people.
“If they do not give consent, we don’t have any power to decide (on the project),” Chyne said today. “The district council does not own any land of its own. The land belongs to the owners and we stand with them on their decision.”
While discussions may continue, the KHADC had to give a response to the government and its response was negative based on the prevailing mood of the populace.
Pressure groups have long opposed the railway line, based on the fear that its coming would lead to massive immigration.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that the state government is continually in discussions with the council on the subject but there is no easy solution to the issue.
“There are certain concerns and issues and the society, as a whole, and key stakeholders must be taken into confidence and we hope to find a solution,” Sangma said.
