Shillong, Oct 13: The disagreement expressed by the Jaintia Students’ Union with the Deputy Chief Minister Shri Sniawbhalang Dhar statement revolves around the issue of bringing railways to the Jaintia Hills region in Meghalaya.
The Students’ Union claims that only small section of people mainly business men of Jaintia Hills wanted a railway in their region. However, JSU argue that there is no point in establishing a railway connection as long as Inner Line Permit (ILP) is not granted to our state.
ILP is a special permit that restricts the entry of outsiders into our state, to protect the rights and culture of our indigenous community. The Union’s concern seems to be that without proper safeguards through ILP, an influx of people due to railway connectivity might have negative social and economic impacts on the indigenous population in the Jaintia Hills.
Another issue raised by the Students’ Union is the difference in the cost of goods between Assam (which is already connected by rail) and Meghalaya. They argue that the cost of goods in Assam, where railways play a role in transportation, is more expensive compared to the price of goods in Meghalaya.
JSU said that one must know that even the cost of cement is higher in the production state of Meghalya than in Assam so the point to bring railway to ease transportation of cement to other state will only benefits bussiness men not to the people of Meghalaya .
This suggests that the introduction of railways might not necessarily lead to more affordable goods in our region and introduction of railway infrastructure might improve accessibility but it will only increased migration or movement of people from other areas. Such influx can have social, economic, and environmental impacts on the state.
It’s important to consider the perspectives of different stakeholders and engage in open dialogue to find a balanced solution that addresses the concerns of the local communities and ensures sustainable development in the region.
