Amlarem MLA and United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Lahkmen Rymbui has reiterated that the party will clearly express its views on the railway issue during the upcoming committee meeting constituted by the state government.
Speaking to reporters, Rymbui said, “Railways is not a new subject. Many political parties have made their stand clear over the years. Similarly, the UDP has also maintained a consistent stance. Now that the government has formed a committee to look into this matter, we will share our views during the meeting based on what is best for the people.”
Rymbui also did not look disparagingly on the decision by the opposition Congress Party and Voice of the People Party (VPP) to stay out of the committee. The VPP argued that it would be pointless to form such a committee when the general public is opposed to railways in the absence of the Inner Line Permit (ILP). The Congress, meanwhile, said that the committee was an attempt by the government to pass the buck on the contentious issue to other parties.
Responding to their decision, Rymbui said, “This is a democratic process and they are free to decide. The government needs to know everyone’s stance.”
He also lauded the state government’s approach. “I am thankful to this government that, on most issues, whether it is the reservation policy or border disputes, they try to involve all parties and stakeholders to seek their opinions. Since I became an MLA, I haven’t seen any other government that tries to include all parties in its decision-making,” Rymbui said.
