Representatives of four pressure groups in Ri-Bhoi walked out of a meeting called for by the Deputy Commissioner that was meant to discuss the proposed railway project in the district.
The Khasi Student Union (KSU), Ri-Bhoi Youth Federation (RBYF), Hynñiewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) and Federation of Khasi, Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP) were unwilling to discuss the issue because they are of the opinion that the Inner Line Permit (ILP) should be implemented first in the state to give Meghalaya a strong mechanism to protect the indigenous peoples from being swamped by outsiders. It is their contention that railways will make it easier for outsiders to enter the state and are thus adamantly opposed to it at present.
Speaking to the press after staging their walkout, KSU regional president, Ferdynald Kharkamni, also said that the railway project is an issue that is too big to be decided on at the district level.
“There is no use in inviting the organisations from the district to discuss the railway project, as the power to oppose or welcome it lies with the central bodies,” Kharkamni said.
The project is meant to connect Ri-Bhoi’s Byrnihat to Tetelia in Assam. Work began in 2017 but was halted after stiff opposition.
Kharkamni pointed out that ILP has not been granted to Meghalaya by the central government even though the state Assembly unanimously passed a resolution in favour of it in 2019.
Meanwhile, the other pressure groups that were invited to be part of the meeting, namely the Hynñiewtrep Youths Council, Confederation of Ri-Bhoi People and Hynñiewtrep A’chik National Movement, also said they would not accept the railways unless the ILP is introduced into Meghalaya.
