‘Call NGOs for talks’

SHILLONG, JUNE 23: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) today demanded the State government to put on hold the proposed construction of the railway project and invite all the anti-railway groups for talks.

It has also demanded the state home minister HDR Lyngdoh to direct the state police to stop hunting and arresting youths on “mere suspicion” and without evidences.

Addressing newsmen here on Friday, HYC general secretary Robertjune Kharjahrin said, “The government should immediately put on hold the proposed railway project to pave way for healthy discussion.”

He said the government is demanded to initiate talks with all the pressure groups including the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), which are hell bent against the railway line in absence of effective mechanisms to check influx.

Alleging that there was no public hearing or consultation when permission was given to Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), he said that the CM is guilty of bulldozing the voice of the people by allowing the project.

“Therefore in the true sense of democracy, the chief minister should set aside his dictatorial attitude by initiating dialogue to debate on pros and cons of the railway project. He should understand that CM also means chief servant and the post is temporary but if railway comes it will be permanent,” Kharjahrin said.

Referring to recent statement of the CM not to invite the KSU for talks if they do not stop criminal and anti-social activities, the HYC leader however said, “Then it is for the CM, if he thinks that he is an undisputed leader, to declare a new policy that the state government will no longer initiate discussion or felt the need to take the views and opinions with the people.”

On the other hand, Kharjahrin said when the government can initiate talks with banned militant outfits then why not with the pressure groups.

“It is only after the process of dialogue that ceasefire comes. So let us talk first,” he said.

Reacting to a query, the HYC leader said that the home minister is also demanded to direct the state police to stop hunting and arresting the youths without evidence.

“This hunting against the youths on mere suspicious has also affected many families which is not acceptable,” he said.

He also alleged that the adamant attitude of the government on talks with the pressure groups is due to its fear that the vote bank will be affected.

According to him, the present government lacks seriousness to protect the interest of the people.