Members of the Ri-Bhoi unit of the Khasi Students Union (KSU) met with the district’s Deputy Commissioner today to gather information on the implementation of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act 2016 and the functioning of the Umling infiltration checkpoint. They also reiterated their opposition to the introduction of railways in the district.
It was reported in a section of the media recently that the government has decided to resume the project that will bring the railways up to Byrnihat. However, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong denied this today, saying that the DC has been instructed to restart dialogue on the subject with stakeholders.
KSU district President Ferdinald Kharkamni told reporters that the pressure group would like to see the inclusion of the Labour Department in the functioning of the checkpoint. According to the KSU, the DC, RM Kurbah, said that only the Tourism and Health Departments and an anti-infiltration team are involved in the functioning of the entry point. However, the KSU feels the inclusion of the Labour Department would help keep illegal workers out of the state.
Meanwhile, the KSU remained resolute in its opposition to the railway unless the Inner Line Permit (ILP) is introduced in the state to keep a check on illegal immigrants.
