Let people of Jaintia Hills decide on railway issue: Kyrmen Shylla

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 14, 2025

Cabinet minister and UDP legislator from Khliehriat Kyrmen Shylla on Wednesday said he wants the people of Jaintia Hills to decide on whether the proposed implementation of the railway project will benefit them or not.

“Personally speaking, I would want the people of Jaintia Hills to decide on the railway issue,” Shylla told reporters.

He asserted the need for the state government to conduct a public hearing to provide a platform for the people to express their views and opinions on the proposed railway project in East Jaintia Hills district.

“We should have a public hearing and let the people decide (on the issue) as it is not for ma Kyrmen or anybody to decide. Let the public decide if railways would benefit them and the region or not,” Shylla said.

The minister further maintained, “If the public are saying no to railways then that day itself we should put a full stop (to this issue). If public are saying yes, why only government should support why not the NGOs, why not different community?”

Asked, Shylla said, “We have heard different voices and different ideas and comments on it but the majority wins in the end.”

“Therefore, we will leave it to the public to decide. I have a feeling that if the public really wants it, it should happen, if the public are against it, why (should we implement it). This is because anything we do, it is for the public. We are their servants and as servants, it is our duty to provide for their needs and we should not go against their will and their wishes,” he opined.