SHILLONG, JULY 5: Opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) chief Donkupar Roy today said there is need to debate on the merits and demerits of the proposed construction of the railway project in the state.
“We need to have a debate on the merits and demerits of the railway project especially regarding the issue of influx,” Roy told reporters here on Wednesday.
His statement came at a time when the state is witnessing a deadlock between the state government and the pressure groups over the railway project.
The construction works of the railway line at Ronghona village under Byrnihat police outpost in Ri Bhoi District has come to a standstill after a violent protest by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on May 27.
Pressure groups like the KSU, FKJGP, HNYF, RBYF, HYC and others have been demanding the state government to put on hold the railway project in the absence of effective anti-influx mechanisms in place.
Admitting that the apprehension expressed by the NGOs is a matter of concern, Roy said, “Though we need railway, but if we are not prepared then it will not be seen as something which will benefit the state.”
He said that no doubt there will be problem of people migrating to the state with the coming of railway which mainly due to economic reasons.
“This aspect has to be taken into consideration in view of the fact that Meghalaya is surrounded by neighbouring states and countries which are facing with the problem of poverty,” he added.
Asked on the prevailing situation arising out of the anti-railway protests, the UDP chief demanded that the state government should immediately find solutions to address the concerns expressed the opposition groups.
“The government should find solutions as confrontation over the issue will not help,” he said while urging the government to understand that implementing any project by force is not acceptable in a democratic set up.
+ There are no comments
Add yours