The Jaiñtia Students Union (JSU) has claimed that only a “small section” of people, mainly business men of the region, want railway in the Jaiñtia Hills region.
Reacting to a statement made by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar that some people from Jaiñtia Hills have requested for railway connectivity in the region, the JSU reiterated “no railway without Inner Line Permit (ILP).”
On the difference in the cost of goods between Assam (which is already connected by rail) and Meghalaya, the JSU argued that the cost of goods in Assam is expensive compared to the price of goods in Meghalaya.
“One must know that even the cost of cement is higher in Meghalaya, which is cement production state. So the point to bring railway to ease transportation of cement to other state will only benefit business men not the people of Meghalaya,” the JSU said.
The suggestion that people will enjoy affordable goods and improve accessibility will also increase migration and such influx can have social, economic, and environmental impacts on the state, it added while suggesting for an open dialogue to find a balanced solution that addresses the concerns of the local communities and ensures sustainable development in the region.
In a separate statement the Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) slammed the Deputy Chief Minister and said that some “black sheep close to politicians” want railway.
Asking the government to focus on bringing good educational institutions in Jaiñtia Hills, create employment opportunities, and others for the welfare of the people the organisation also raised questions on unfilled demands made in the district.
“Where is the government college in EJH? What happened to a residential school and teachers training centre? There are plenty of cement plants in EJH, the question is, are they benefitting our people? Do our youths get enough jobs? There has been a demand that 80 per cent jobs should be reserved for local youths, has this demand been fulfilled? Then how will the railway benefit us?” the JNC questioned.
The JNC also reminded Dhar of the assembly resolution for implementation of ILP. “What has the government done on the ILP demand? What about MRSSA? What about infiltration check gates? Bangladeshis are trespassing the boundary everyday, but what is the government doing?” the organisation asked.
