Meghalaya: No Railways in Khasi-Jaintia Hills Without ILP, Insists JSU

GUWAHATI: The Jaintia Students' Union (JSU) has reasserted its stance that the Inner Line Permit (ILP) must be implemented before any railways can be established in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region of Meghalaya.

In a statement, the JSU emphasized, "There is no point in establishing a railway connection as long as the ILP is not granted to our state."

This statement comes shortly after Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar declared that the government had no plans to abandon the idea of introducing railways in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills region.

The JSU contended that only a small segment of the population, primarily businesspeople in Jaintia Hills of the state, expressed interest in having railways in the area.

The union also argued that the introduction of railways might not necessarily result in more affordable goods in the region.

Moreover, the JSU cautioned that without the ILP, an influx of people from other areas could have social, economic, and environmental repercussions on the state.

The JSU concluded by emphasizing the importance of considering the viewpoints of various stakeholders and engaging in open dialogue to reach a balanced solution that addresses the concerns of local communities and ensures sustainable development in the region.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, inaugurated the Prime Music Incubation Grand Finale at the District Auditorium in Tura on Friday. During the programme, he also released the Me'gong Festival theme song. Inaugurating the music incubation programme, the Chief Minister said, "It is our responsibility to channelize the energy of our young citizens towards constructive paths. The music incubation programme will empower young musicians to unleash their potential". He further said that the government, through various flagship programmes, is working to promote talent in sports, music, and entrepreneurship in the state.

"75 percent of the population in Meghalaya is young, and it is incumbent on the government to accord thrust to empower the youth. It is with this very spirit that the government is working in a systematic way to ensure that an ecosystem is created for our youth to excel", he added.

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