In a firm yet composed tone, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma reaffirmed that the State Government will proceed with the meeting of the All Party Committee on Railways, even as several opposition parties have opted out of the process. The meeting, he clarified, is not about declaring support for the railway project, but about enabling meaningful dialogue—a space he insists the opposition is now shunning.
“I have been very clear that from an economic progress point of view, railways are important for us. Whether it is Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, or Garo Hills—I’m very clear on my thought that it is important. We need it. But at the same time, I’ve been very clear that this is a sensitive matter. And obviously, there are multiple concerns that people have,” the Chief Minister said.
While some ministers have openly supported the railway project, Sangma stressed that his government is committed to a consultative approach. “We will take the community and the people along with us in the decision that we make. So even if it is Garo Hills or Khasi Hills, we will engage with the people, we will talk to them, we will try to convince them. If there are certain hurdles and concerns, we will try to overcome them and take society as a whole forward in the decision—whatever decision we take—so that overall larger development comes into the state of Meghalaya,” he added.
Responding to the absence of opposition members in the committee meeting, Sangma remarked, “We had invited people to come but we got a negative response from a few of the political parties. And so now, we are wondering whether the same people who had said that there should be a committee are now saying they don’t want to be part of the committee. So I really don’t know what the intention was when they mentioned this in the Assembly.”
He clarified the purpose of the committee: “Coming to the committee meeting is not a support for the cause or saying that we want railways. The committee is a platform to discuss. Now, if you don’t want to discuss also, then how do we move forward? So I think there has to be a shift in the mindset, some positivity. We are allowing the platform and discussion to happen. You don’t want to take that platform also—so what can I say?”
Appealing to all political parties and the media to participate in the democratic process, the Chief Minister said, “I urge different stakeholders that let’s discuss, because I’m sure there can be ways we can find to address the concerns that people have and yet have the development that we deserve. So what can we do to find the mid-path—midway to be able to address the concerns and get development? That is the purpose of this committee. So I once again appeal even to the press—that of different political parties, they should engage with us. This is how democracy works. It’s a democratic process and the government is providing that platform. We should come and discuss.”
On whether the Northeast Frontier Railway has started survey work in South Garo Hills, the Chief Minister categorically said, “No, they have not. Of course, the Government of India, the concerned Minister, has asked me if the railway project is not coming up in the Khasi Hills, is there any possibility of a pass? I told him that I have spoken with the Garo Hills representatives and Jaintia Hills representatives—they have shown some positive response. But again, I want to say that we still want public at large, organisations and civil society at large, on board.”
