Pressure groups welcome invitation for talks

From A Correspondent
Shillong, July 17: Thirteen pressure groups opposing the railway line in the State have welcomed the State Government’s invitation for discussion on the issue on 19th July. They, however, asked the government to resolve a few issues before the scheduled discussion.
A letter submitted to Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma signed by leaders of three organizations KSU, FKJGP and HNYF on behalf of the other pressure groups said, “We have had enough discussion on the comprehensive mechanism to regulate influx. Based on the mutual discussions and understanding, the government had passed two Acts, i.e., the Bemi Transaction Prohibition Act (Amended) 2016 and the Residents Safety and Security Act. But both these Acts are without rules of implementation. Hence, we would like that on the discussion to be held on July 19, the government must come prepared with rules of these two Acts so that the discussion would be meaningful and progressive.”
The pressure groups said that much of the paper works relating to the entry and exit points have progressed, but so far they have yet to see the infrastructural progress of the same.
“Hence, on the discussion to be held on the July 19, we would like to see the government spell out the details of plans with regards to the execution of the project in those areas where there are no hindrances,” the NGOs said.