Shillong, July 7: Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC)’s advisory committee has called upon all pressure groups to come together in the fight against the government’s attempt to construct railway project in Ri Bhoi District.

Addressing media persons here on Friday, HYC adviser Anthony Kharbuli said that unless pressure groups come together, it would be a futile attempt to force the government to stop railway from coming to this part of the region.

Recalling that during the P.A. Sangma-led government in the state, Kharbuli said, the move to introduce railway line has been stopped after protests by the KSU under the leadership of late Bull Lyngdoh as KSU President in 1989.
Kharbuli, who was at that time was an ardent follower of Bull N. Lyngdoh, however said after 28 years, this issue has come up again due to the fact that pressure groups at present are “too weak”.

He also expressed disagreement with the demand of the pressure groups who are opposing the railway line that the government should invite them for talks on the issue.

Stating that the need of the hour is for all pressure groups to stand united against the issue, Kharbuli said that the HYC has decided to soon convene a meeting to appeal for unity of all the pressure groups in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region.

“The meeting will be held after consulting with other groups. The idea is to have a joint action committee of all pressure groups to protest against the railway project in one voice,” the HYC adviser.

Supporting the stands of pressure groups on the issue, Kharbuli said that the coming of the railway will surely affect the people of the state pending the implementation of the proposed comprehensive mechanisms to check influx.
According to him, the comprehensive mechanisms will act as a strong door to prevent illegal influx into the state.