Shillong, July 5: Former chief minister and United Democratic Party (UDP) chief, Dr Donkupar Roy on Wednesday said that there should be a debate first on the merits and demerits of the proposed railway project.
Roy told reporters that a debate on the merits and demerits of the railway project was needed especially the issue related to influx.
The UDP leader also admitted that problem related to migration of people from other places to Meghalaya would be there, because people would visit the state not only as tourists but in search of economic opportunities.
The KSU has been opposing railway project in Khasi and Jaiñtia Hills in the absence of effective mechanisms to check influx in the state.
“Though we need railway, but if we are not prepared, then it will not be seen as something which will benefit the state. Therefore we need to debate on the merits and demerits of railway line. Once we know the merits and demerits, it would be easy to take measures that can help tackle issues related to demerits,” he said.
Meanwhile Dr Roy who is also the Leader of Opposition in Assembly asked the state government to find solution to the problem related to the proposed railway project.
“Confrontation over the issue will not help. The state government should find solution to address concerns raised by the opposition groups. The government should understand that implementing any project by force cannot be accepted in a democratic set up,” Dr Roy said.
Debate first on merits and demerits of railway project: Dr Donkupar Roy
