JAC demands holding of public referendum over road project

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 11, 2019

SHILLONG: The Joint Action Committee on Two Lane Road Nongstoin – Mawthabah has demanded the state government to hold a public referendum to ensure the construction of the two-lane road project from Nongstoin to Wahkaji is speed up.

In a memorandum to the deputy chief minister in-charge PWD (roads) Prestone Tynsong, the chairman of the JAC Ricky Sohlang has expressed concern over the delay of the government in starting the construction work.

He said this was despite of the fact that majority of the people have fully supported the road project in the public hearings held at Kynroh in West Khasi Hills District on January 22 and Mawpat in South West Khasi Hills District on January 29.

“We therefore urged upon the government to consider starting the construction of the road project which will be a blessing to the people of the region,” Sohlang said.

“If the government is still not satisfied with the results of the two public hearings, we propose that the government should consider holding a public referendum (for the people to decide whether they for or against the road project),” he added.

It may be mentioned here that several NGOs have opposed the construction of the two-lane road project as they alleged that its objective is to facilitate uranium mining in the state.