CORRESPONDENT
Shillong: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police), Prestone Tynsong, on Tuesday reiterated that the Centre remains committed to connecting the state to the railway network but maintained that the way forward must be based on consensus among all stakeholders.
“See the statement made by the Honourable Minister of Railways; it is true,” Tynsong said. “The Government of India is still very keen to connect Meghalaya with railway, and this is not for their interest; it is for the interest of the people of the state,” the Deputy CM added.
He informed us that a committee has been constituted by the Chief Minister and that an all-party meeting will be followed by another round of discussions chaired by the Chief Minister with all stakeholders.
“Frank discussion has to be there, and ultimately, a decision will be taken,” he said. While making it clear that he supports railway connectivity, Tynsong was categorical about taking all views into account.
“Even from our side, I personally feel we need a railway,” he said, adding, “But we also need to carry everybody on board.”
Responding to queries on the introduction of goods trains, Tynsong said, “Let us meet first. Once we discuss face to face, then only we will understand what the loophole, what is the problem.”
On the demand for implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the state, he said, “From the government side also, we are all out for the ILP. Even the House itself has passed the resolution.”
Tynsong added, “We will again meet all the stakeholders... and discuss about the subject of railways and also... other issues.”
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