SHILLONG: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has reiterated its strong opposition to the introduction of railway lines in Meghalaya, declaring that it will not engage in further discussions until the state government implements the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and other protective laws.
KSU president Lambokstarwell Marngar said the Union will not allow railway projects to move forward under any circumstances without adequate legal safeguards. He warned that if the government attempts to push the project through by force, it must be prepared for the consequences.
“The government must implement protective laws first. Only after that can discussions on railways take place,” Marngar asserted.
He explained that the Union’s concern stems from experiences in other states, where the arrival of railway connectivity has led to increased settlement of outsiders. Meghalaya, he said, remains vulnerable as it lacks strong mechanisms to regulate the inflow of migrants. “If the railway comes without proper laws in place, our state will be at risk,” he added.
Marngar reminded that in previous years, the Union had strongly opposed similar development plans at Byrnihat, with several members even facing arrest. He stressed that the government should not ignore the concerns repeatedly raised by the Union.
While acknowledging that some lawmakers are eager to push the railway project, he urged them to prioritise legislation that protects the indigenous population. “The people expect laws that safeguard the state, not policies that could harm it,” he said.
The KSU president also expressed concern over the rapid rise of non-indigenous residents in parts of Shillong, noting that some newcomers are able to obtain documents and voting rights within just a few weeks of arrival. He called on the government to first address such issues before revisiting railway discussions.
“Let the state secure proper mechanisms of protection first. Only then can we talk about the railway—whether the people accept it or not,” he emphasised.
