The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has reaffirmed its stance against the introduction of railways in Meghalaya, citing concerns over influx and the lack of a strong mechanism like the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to keep a check on the number of entrants into the state.
KHNAM leader Thomas Passah stated that although the party will attend the all-party meeting called by the state government, they will vehemently oppose the railway project.
Two other opposition parties, the Voice of the People Party (VPP) and Congress Party, have already ruled themselves out of attending the meeting. Unlike the other two, however, KHNAM has no representative in the Assembly or district councils, so its voice is less significant.
“We want to attend the meeting to ensure our opposition to the railway is recorded in the minutes,” Passah said. “The issue of influx is already a concern and, with railways, it could become even more serious without a strong mechanism in place.”
Passah emphasised that the indigenous people cannot be compromised in the name of development.
Informing that the invitation that came to KHNAM is also meant to cover the topic of a winter capital, he expressed concerns about this, stating that it would be an unnecessary expenditure for the state.
Tura has been proposed as a second capital for Meghalaya, though there are also demands from Jowai and other towns.
“With the state government already facing financial constraints and having removed people from their jobs, a winter capital would only add to the unnecessary expenditure,” Passah said.
