Ministers to Inspect Railway Station at Mendipathar, Garo Hills Site

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: A delegation of Ministers will soon inspect the railway station at Mendipathar, Garo Hills and to check the possibility to set up the first Entry and Exit Point in the area before proceeding to other locations in the State.

“The state government is very concerned with the issue of influx. Recently from the party (PDF) Bantreidor Lyndoh Minister of Agriculture and I approached Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on this issue of influx and the need to immediately set up the Entry and Exit Point,” Urban Affairs Minister Hamlet Dohling told The Sentinel.

He informed that in their discussion with the Chief Minister they also requested him to speed up the process in setting up the Entry and Exit Point at Ri-Bhoi district.

“The reason for the delay in setting up the Entry and Exit Point at Ri-Bhoi is because the location is yet to be finalized. Hence the Deputy Commissioner of the district is at present examining the matter and then submit the report to the state government,” he said.

He added that they (Hamlet and Banteidor) will urge the Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi district to speed up the process with an objective to immediately set up the Entry and Exit Point in the area.

“As long as this is being delayed it poses a danger to the indigenous people of the State and we feel the existence of an Entry and Exit Point is one of the best mechanisms to safeguard the people of the State from influx,” he said.

He informed that at 19 Mile Upper Shillong a place has been identified to place the Entry and Exit Point. However, things have been delayed because there are some matters which have to be addressed.

When asked why the government is planning to set up the Entry and Exit Point first at Mendipathar, he said, “I don’t know the exact reason, but it is okay. Once things start, it will proceed towards other parts of Meghalaya.”

He informed that a delegation of Ministers will also conduct a spot inspection at Langpih to evolve solutions to the various problems encountered by the residents of the area.

“On November 7, along with Lambor Malngiang we will also visit Block-I. We have received information that the farmers in the area are facing problems,” he said.