Shillong, May 29: The Federation of Khasi-Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) central body has condemned the state government for its alleged adamant attitude towards the stiff oppositions expressed by the NGOs against the construction of railway project in the state.
“We will continue to protest against the construction of the railway line as long as the state government fails to implement effective laws which include the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act, 2016,” FKJGP general secretary Dundee C Khongsit said in a statement issued here.
He said that main reason for the opposition is due to sense of fear among the people of the state if influx of outsiders is allowed to enter the state unchecked.
“As minority, we have every right to protect our land as per the provision of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India,” he said.
The FKGJP also demanded the state government to direct the North East Frontier Railways to immediately stop the ongoing construction of the railway project.
“We urged the government to instruct the NEFR to stop the construction immediately till such time that it is ready to implement the effective laws in order to prevent from incidents which can affect the peace and tranquility in the state,” Khongsit said.
He said that the government and NEFR should take the blame on the recent incidents that have happened arising out of the implementation of the railway project.
Meanwhile, the FKJGP also expressed concern on the lathi charge and arrest of the KSU leaders and members instead of resolving the matter.
“The action is like pouring feul to the fire and this kind of dictatorship style of functioning will not be acceptable in a democratic country,” he said.