RDA deadly against introduction of passengers’ train: Mawthoh

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 7, 2020

The Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA) has reiterated its strong opposition against the introduction of passengers’ train in the state. 

The alliance comprises of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), however suggested the need to examine the proposal for bringing of goods train up-to Khanapara. 

UDP general secretary, Jemino Mawthoh said that the delegation of the RDA had met the chief minister, Conrad K Sangma on August 24, expressing its decision to go against the coming of the railway head to Shillong.

“As far as the passengers’ train is concerned, we are deadly against that. it is a clear no from the two parties,” he said.

Mawthoh, also a former legislator from Nongthymmai, however said in as far as the introduction of the goods train is concerned, the RDA has suggested the government to examine the matter, may be to bring it up to Khanapara but not to Shillong. 

“See even if you talked about the coming of the goods train,  you have to think about the topography, hilly imperatives, environment, density of population, congestion and so on and so forth. These are some of the factors that we also have to take into consideration. 

Not just to say that we welcome but we say we need to discuss and we need to examine as far as goods train is concerned so that we will not have any problems like picking up of goods from Assam. If the goods train could come at least  to Khanapara, I think it would be of great help to the people of the state,” he said.

Asked on the NGOs’ stand against railway lines, the UDP leader admitted the need to have mechanisms in place to check the coming of influx and illegall migrants from outside to protect and safeguard the interest of the indigenous people of the state. 

“But we have to examine the issue of bringing the goods train because we also have to think about the economic movement, we have to think about the plight of the poorer section of the state and developing the economy and livelihood – all these economic activities also have to be taken into consideration. 

If a proper plan can be thought of in this regard then on one hand, we can safeguard the interest of the indigenous people and on the other hand also economic goods transaction can happen in the state which will definitely help the people the state,” Mawthoh said. 

The UDP general secretary also urged the government to speed up the construction of the entry-exit points to check influx and illegal migration into the state. 

He said that the RDA will again meet to decide what is the best way forward is and to come up with suggestions to the government.