Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that the government will go ahead with a detailed discussion with stakeholders on the issue of railways and get a general consensus on how to move forward.
Replying to a the short-duration-discussion brought by Voice of the People Party (VPP) MLA from Mawlai Brightstarwell Marbaniang to a statement made by Cabinet Minister Kyrmen Shylla, that the people from Jaintia Hills should decide on railway line and outsiders should not interfere.
Sangma pointed out that the suggestion of the leader of opposition, Dr. Mukul Sangma to call all political parties and other stakeholders to discuss the matter.
The Chief Minister said that discussions should be based on issues.
“Is it the railway we are against because if we say that then it is a position we are taking. But the issue is not railways, the issue is influx,” he added.
According to him, if one brings people together for discussion one can move on from the position of negotiating on positions and coming to discussions on issues and find a way whether one can address all matters by taking a different position compared to the earlier stance.
He said that the centre wants to bring railways to almost all the state capitals in the country and the state may be the only one left without a rail head.
“Maybe if we miss this bus. I don’t know when this opportunity will come again,” the Chief Minister said.
Sangma said that 20-30 years when one looks back, one should have thought of it in a different way.
Urging the people to realise the gravity of the situation now, he asked can one find a way forward to be able to meet all the needs and address all issues and not lose out on this important economic development that will be an important game changer for trade, entrepreneurs and farmers of the state.
The Chief Minister said that he was the one who gave the centre to explore possibilities by engaging people in the grassroot and finding out their feelings.
He then shared the idea with MLAs that the government may be open to reappropriating the funds allotted for this purpose for a different route.
Sangma said that what matters is what the Chief Minister says as head of government and the government spokesperson says.
“I have made the government’s stand very clear today. Therefore for us at this level to be focusing on one word or two and try to dig into it and discuss over and over again is beyond the level of what this House should be into,” he added.
The Chief Minister appealed to all the members in the House to rise above individual issues and move forward in a constructive way and ensure matters are discussed in a way that maintains dignity and decorum.
