Shillong: The newly elected VPP-led Executive Committee in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) in Meghalaya has expressed its opposition to the proposed railway projects in the Khasi Hills region.
The committee’s decision is rooted in concerns over the lack of anti-influx mechanisms, which could lead to an influx of outsiders in the region.
KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Shemborlang Rynjah stated that the committee will thoroughly examine the Centre’s proposal for introducing railway connectivity in the region.
“We will study the matter before officially taking a stand on this sensitive issue,” Rynjah said.
The committee will also investigate the legal aspects of the railway projects and ensure that the state government implements robust measures to safeguard the interests of the indigenous Khasi tribe.
This development comes after the Centre requested the state government to return approximately Rs 270 crore allocated for land acquisition due to the stalled Byrnihat-Shillong railway project.
The project has faced opposition from pressure groups since 2016-17, citing concerns over the potential influx of outsiders.
In addition to opposing the railway projects, the VPP has prioritized pursuing recognition of the Khasi language under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.