Shillong, July 7: Three groups, Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP), Hynñiewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF), and Ri Bhoi Youth Federation (RBYF) on Friday decided to hold public meetings to highlight the demerits of railway line if the government would introduce without implementing strong mechanism that can tackle influx problem.

After a meeting held here, the three groups announced that the public meeting will be held at Nongpoh on July 13, Byrnihat on July 18, and Umsning on July 21, all in Ri Bhoi district.

The groups while supporting the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) which is protesting against railway project, said that similar public meeting would be held later at Mawlai, Nongthymmai and Malki and other places including district headquarters in Khasi and Jaiñtia Hills.

FKJGP President, Wellbirth Rani said that the three groups also condemned the government for hunting KSU members by accusing them of indulging in arson cases, though he said, vested interests also involved in such crimes.

Meghalaya will be linked with railway line between Tetelia in Assam’s Kamrup district and Byrnihat in Meghalaya’s Ri Bhoi district.

The KSU protested against the construction of the railway line within Meghalaya and went to stop the construction work at the site at Ronghona village under Byrnihat on May 27.

Following the protest, police arrested several KSU leaders and members and charged them that they involved in various arson incidents.

The three groups made it clear that as of now, railway line cannot be accepted in Khasi and Jaiñtia Hills since the Meghalaya government has not implemented strong mechanism to check influx into the state.