Meghalaya: KSU continues to oppose rail network in Shillong over influx concerns
Guwahati: The Khasi Students' Union (KSU) has urged the Meghalaya government and the Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum (MTDF) to abandon plans for a High-Speed Luxury Rail Network (HSLRN) in Shillong.
KSU General Secretary Donald V Thabah opposing the rail network said that the rail may facilitate influx as well as illegal immigration.
He asked the state government to focus on education, healthcare, recruitment transparency, drug control, and infrastructure development, particularly road connectivity instead of the rail network.
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Thabah reiterated the KSU's opposition to railway introduction in Khasi-Jaintia Hills until a robust mechanism addresses influx and illegal immigration concerns.
He said strong legislation is needed, such as the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), to protect indigenous rights.
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The KSU also demanded March 25, 1971, as the cut-off year for recognizing outsiders as permanent residents.
Thabah, however, denied claims that ILP implementation may hinder the development and economic growth.
He claimed that states with ILP have higher per-capita incomes.
It may be mentioned that states like Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh already have implemented the ILP system.
When asked about prices of commodities and rail, he claimed that Manipur and Mizoram have lower prices for essential commodities despite not having a rail network.