JSU opposes govt’s move to bring railway in EJH without ILP system in place

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 6, 2023

In a quick response, the Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) has expressed strong opposition against the government’s move to introduce a railway line in the Jaintia Hills region.

This came hours after the chief minister Conrad K Sangma had on Thursday informed that a study is being conducted on the feasibility to introduce railway connectivity to Khliehriat in East Jaintia Hills district.

In a statement, the JSU instead requested the chief minister to take development of education, hospitals and good roads in Jaintia Hills and implementation of the inner line permit (ILP) as priorities of his government.

“Implement ILP, set up good roads, good educational institutions and better health care, subsequently we would accept railways in Jaintia Hills,” it said.

“We understand that railway connectivity can have numerous benefits including improved transportation, economic growth and enhanced connectivity with other regions but small state like Meghalaya which is being occupied by mostly tribal, it is necessary for the government to first bring up ILP system in the state as its purpose is to regulate the entry of outsiders to protect the local culture, resources and population of the region,” the JSU added.

The statement further stated that the JSU does not necessarily negate the need for railways in Jaintia Hills. “We are simply advocating for an implementation of ILP to restrain illegal immigrants and focus on educational institutions, proper public hospitals, and road infrastructure, which we believe are the immediate priorities for the region’s development,” it added.