Correspondent
Shillong: In a firm yet composed tone, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma reaffirmed that the state government will go ahead with the meeting of the All-Party Committee on Railways, even as several opposition parties have chosen to opt out of the process. He clarified that the meeting is not about endorsing the railway project but about creating space for meaningful dialogue—a space he insists the opposition is now shunning.
“I have been very clear that from an economic progress point of view, railways are important for us. Whether it is Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, or Garo Hills—I’m very clear in my view that it is important. We need it. But at the same time, I’ve been very clear that this is a sensitive matter. And obviously, there are multiple concerns that people have,” the Chief Minister said.
While some ministers have openly supported the railway project, Sangma stressed that his government remains committed to a consultative approach. “We will take the community and the people along with us in the decision we make. So, even if it is Garo Hills or Khasi Hills, we will engage with the people, we will talk to them, we will try to convince them. If there are certain hurdles and concerns, we will try to overcome them and move forward together as a society—so that overall, larger development comes to the state of Meghalaya,” he added.
Responding to the absence of opposition members at the committee meeting, Sangma remarked, “We had invited everyone to come, but we received a negative response from a few political parties. Now, we are wondering whether the same people who had demanded the formation of a committee are now saying they don’t want to be part of it. So, I really don’t know what the intention was when they mentioned this in the Assembly.”
He clarified the purpose of the committee: “Attending the committee meeting does not mean you are supporting the railway project. The committee is simply a platform to discuss. Now, if you don’t even want to discuss, how do we move forward? I think there has to be a shift in mindset, some positivity. We are providing the platform and the space for dialogue. If you don’t want to use that platform—what more can I say?”
Appealing to all political parties and the media to participate in the democratic process, the Chief Minister said, “I urge all stakeholders to come and discuss, because I’m sure we can find ways to address the concerns people have, while still achieving the development we deserve. What can we do to find the mid-path—a middle ground to address concerns and enable development? That is the purpose of this committee. So once again, I appeal—even to the press—that representatives of different political parties should engage with us. This is how democracy works. It’s a democratic process, and the government is providing the platform. We should come and discuss.”
On whether the Northeast Frontier Railway has begun survey work in South Garo Hills, the Chief Minister categorically said, “No, they have not. Of course, the Government of India—specifically the concerned Minister—asked me, if the railway project is not coming up in Khasi Hills, is there any possibility of a route through other regions? I told him that I have spoken with the representatives from Garo Hills and Jaintia Hills—they have shown some positive response. But again, I want to emphasise that we still want the public, organisations, and civil society at large to be on board.”
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