The Khasi Students Union (KSU) has opposed the suggestion that Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) plans to conduct a survey in Jaintia Hills for the construction of railway lines.
The KSU’s East and West Jaintia Hills units in a joint statement today said that NFR intends to survey areas close to the border with Meghalaya in Bhoksong, Rajagaon, Baithalangso, Jengkha, Kherani and Umrangso, ultimately connecting to Jowai.
The pressure group criticised NFR for previously neglecting the authority of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) in obtaining a no objection certificate (NOC).
The KSU has been at the forefront of the opposition to the coming of railways in Khasi-Jaintia Hills, ostensibly because it fears that with it will come hoards of migrants. It is against the introduction of rail unless a mechanism to curb influx is put in place, such as the Inner Line Permit.
Additionally, the KSU has demanded that the JHADC refrain from issuing an NOC to NFR or the state government until such a mechanism is introduced.
It was in 2023 that the Chief Minister revealed that, due to staunch opposition in Ri-Bhoi and East Khasi Hills to the proposed railway, the central government was considering Jaintia Hills instead. However, pressure groups quickly moved to oppose this idea as well.
